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UBRARV OF 



CONGRESS 




00020HH 



1731 



SARAH PIKE GONGER 




CopyrightN 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



OLD CHINA AND 
YOUNG AMERICA 

TRUE STORIES 

WITH THEIR 

SUNSHINE OF LOVE 




The Tiny "Sherza" 
as she came from Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress 
Dowager of China [ page 50 ] 



OLD CHINA AND 
YOUNG AMERICA 



BY 



SARAH PIKE CONGER 

AUTHOR OF "LETTERS FROM CHINA " ETC. 



ILLUSTRATED 




CHICAGO 

F. G. BROWNE & CO. 

1913 



•0° 



->%.* 



COPYRIGHT, 1913 
Y F. G. B R O W NE & CO. 



Copyright in England 
All rights reserved 

PUBLISHED, MARCH, I913 



THE- PLIMPTON- PRESS 
NORWOOD-MASS-U-S-A 

©CLA332987 



Lovingly dedicated 

to 

Helen Conger Moulton 




The good we do is an ever-burning light. It 
never goes out nor grows dim. It is oj God 



7/ J touch the fountain of love in the heart 

of but one child and quicken it into action 

I shall have walked with God 



My dear Young Friends: 

You gather about me asking for stories. 
It is a request to which I gladly respond. 
Life is made up of stories. Each of us 
weaves into a book of experience an influ- 
ence which affects not only humanity but 
every living thing. Each story has its lights 
and shadows, its majors and minors. 

The stories here compiled are founded 
upon facts. They are scattered pages torn 
from a life full of events. They have come 
into my life as open windows, enabling me 
to look out into the world of love. Come 
and share them with me. 

SARAH PIKE CONGER 

Pasadena, California 
January i, 1913 



CONTENTS 



Part I — OLD CHINA 



PAGS 



A Story of the Flag 15 

The Tie that Binds— A Wonderful Picture i 9 

The Power of Music, 1900 23 

A Service in the Forbidden City, 1904 . 27 

Nothing Common 30 

A Chinese Santa Claus 34 

The Folly of Ignorance 37 

An Ancient Custom 41 

Tower, Lao Hu, and Moi Yu .... 44 

Sherza and Lao Hu 50 

Things Talk $6 

China's Religion 59 

A Wonderful Woman — The Late Empress 

Dowager of China 64 

China's Strength 73 

Yuan-Shih-K'ai, the President of China 78 

Part II — YOUNG AMERICA 

Love's Altar 87 

The Home 91 

The Kindergarten 93 

A Talk with Father 95 

Our School-Teachers 97 

Beauty and Culture 99 

The Sacrifice 103 

The Lesson 105 

Every Good Deed is Reflected in Good 107 

Overcoming Difficulties no 



10 CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Polish Your Shoes 113 

The Lesson of the Church Organ . . 115 

Our Point of View 119 

Loving Words 121 

The Wedding 122 

Shadow and Reflection 124 

The Holy Bible 127 

Patriotism 129 

Nations Love Wealth 134 

Saluting the Flag 138 

The Star Eagle's Promise, 1864 . . . 141 

The Salvation Army 143 

Our Flag Honored 148 

Our School Banner, 1858 150 

Our National Cemeteries 156 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

The Tiny " Sherza " Frontispiece ■ 

One of China's Great Men — His Excellency 

Wu Ting Fang 16 

Marine Guards of Eight Nations in China . 20 

Sir Robert Hart and his Band 24 

A Real Chinese Baby 38'' 

An American Baby in Chinese Clothes . 38 * 

Tower, Lao Hu, and Moi Hu 44 - 

Feeding the Pets 46 

"Sherza's" Rival — Baby "Lao Hu" . . . 50* 
Her Imperial Majesty, the Late Empress 

Dowager of China 64 " 

Ching Chun Wang — An Untiring Worker for 

his Country 74 v 

General Yuan-Shih-K'ai, First President of 

China 78 

Talking it Over 92 

The Sacrifice 104 ^ 

Reflection 124 V 

Saluting the Flag .......... 138 1/ 



PART I 
OLD CHINA 



OLD CHINA AND 
YOUNG AMERICA 

A STORY OF THE FLAG 

1 AM going to tell you a story which 
to me is full of beauty. It was 
planted in love, and grew watered 
by the flowing heart fountain. 

Old China and Young America. 
These represent the extremes of 
history. Between them the other 
nations of the world fill in, each 
with its own manners and customs. 
Each country has its patriotic colors, 
its national song, its flag, and these 
countries differ from each other in no 
one thing so much as in the use of 
their flag. An Englishman once said 
to me: "We use our flag only when 
necessary. You use yours upon the 
slightest provocation." Let this be 
forever true. 

In China — that oldest of countries 
and newest of republics — the flag 



16 OLDCHINA 

is used only upon state occasions. 
Until the fall of the empire, subjects 
were not permitted to use it, and 
even today a Chinese flag cannot 
be bought. 

It was in the year 1900 that the 
representatives of eleven different 
nations were besieged in Peking. As 
the wife of the American Minister to 
China I was one of the little band 
hemmed in behind those walls and 
barricades. Almost every hour of 
the twenty-four we were fired upon 
from without. Bravely we watched 
and prayed and worked and fought 
during those trying days. We knew 
that the heart of the whole world 
throbbed in sympathy. The prayers 
of the nations for their own and the 
people of their sister-countries were 
borne to us on the wings of love. 
Suffering and sacrifices cast their 
gloom over our little band, yet there 
was in our hearts always a ray of 
sunshine which gave us buoyancy 
and strength. God smiled upon the 
besieged in that awful experience and 
we recognized His smiles in blessings. 

The day of deliverance came, and 



t I 




One of China's Great Men 

His Excellency, Wu Ting Fang, Chinese Minister to the 

United States, Pioneer worker for a Chinese Republic 



STORY OF THE FLAG 17 

the glory of that day no pen or brush 
can depict. The American Minis- 
ter and his family remained in Peking 
for many months after the siege was 
raised. The representatives of the 
eleven nations and China worked 
diligently but cautiously together 
upon the Joint Note which was 
to settle the intricate questions into 
which the siege had plunged them. 
It was a long waiting, but after 
the settlement the hour for the 
start homeward arrived. When the 
steamer landed on the home coast 
the wildest enthusiasm greeted it. 
Every act thrilled and throbbed 
with welcome. The ovations were 
winged fairy stories, increasing as 
the rescued party neared the home 
State. The pent-up horrors of the 
siege and the fear for the safety 
of the Minister and his family van- 
ished in a sunburst and friendship's 
diamonds sparkled in splendor. The 
tear's bow of promise told far more 
than the spoken word. 

One happy, bright day after the 
home coming, in Des Moines, Iowa, 
an official from the State Capitol, with 



l8 OLDCHINA 

a package in his hand, called upon 
the Minister's wife. He presented 
her with the package and said: 

"During those horrible weeks in 
Peking, our fears for your safety 
were great. When we learned that 
the siege was raised, we joyfully 
hoisted our nation's flag over our 
State Capitol building. It waved 
there through the summer heat, the 
autumn rains and wind, the winter 
freezings and the spring bloom. It 
was never lowered until you had 
returned in safety to the soil of Iowa, 
and here it is. I present it to you." 

The Minister's wife unwrapped it 
and bowed to it in tears. It was 
tattered and worn and almost black. 
It, too, had been in a siege and had 
done its best. The stripes were al- 
most gone, but the stars on their blue 
field were all there! This woman, 
who dearly loved her country's flag, 
felt keenly and heard understand- 
ing^ what it said to her but it was 
a sacred secret and could never be 
put into words. She continues to 
treasure it as one of her choicest 
jewels. 



THE TIE THAT BINDS — A 
WONDERFUL PICTURE 



F. 



OR two years before the siege 
there had been increasing unrest 
in China. The foreigner had be- 
come so aggressive that the Chinese 
had decided that without doubt it 
was to their best interests to get 
rid of the troublesome visitor and 
all of his belongings. But not until 
1900 did they decide just how it 
could be done. 

As China's attitude became more 
and more threatening toward foreign- 
ers, eight foreign governments sent 
marine guards to their respective 
legations in Peking. These guards 
watched the legations night and 
day with vigilance. It was con- 
ceived to have a group picture of 
the eight nationalities taken in the 
large grounds of the British Legation. 
The United States guards marched 
from their legation home with their 
nation's colors waving over them. 



20 OLDCHINA 

At the British Legation each guard 
drew lots for its position in the pic- 
ture. The United States guards drew 
the center, and there they stand, 
with the flag. Not one of the others 
carried their nation's emblem. The 
United States officer said later: "No 
one objected to the flag, and it 
would have broken the boys' hearts 
if I had asked them to lay it aside." 

Is there in all the world another 
picture like this? Look at it, — 
listen to it! Warriors of eight nations 
standing peacefully together in a 
foreign land: Does it not tell a 
wonderful story in a language famil- 
iar to all mankind? Is it not pro- 
phetic of that glorious day when 
there shall be peace among all 
nations? 

But I must tell you the rest of 
the story. Troubles faded and the 
guards withdrew; but in 1900 clouds 
darkly hovered over North China, 
and the eight nations again landed 
their Marine Guards to protect the 
foreigners against the revengeful 
wrath of the Chinese. For eight 
weeks these foreigners in Peking 






»5 O 



S' o 

H 

> 

H 



z 




THE TIE THAT BINDS 21 

were besieged and under almost con- 
stant fire. By day and by night, 
our nation's emblem watched over 
us and waved its promise of protec- 
tion. That beautiful flag! On June 
1 8, 1900, its colors were bright. 
There was not upon its folds one 
stain or blemish or scar. It stood 
for the United States of America, 
and greater loyalty was never known 
than it proclaimed and gave. It was 
a target for the Chinese guns, but it 
seemed that through its stalwart 
armor they could not riddle nor 
destroy it. 

One memorable day we stood in 
the American Legation, almost un- 
der shelter of this flag, and watched 
the shells as they came whizzing one 
after another, bursting at right and 
left, above and below, but not 
touching our stars and stripes. We 
clasped our hands in praise. But at 
last a cruel shell burst at the base 
of its standard. It shattered the 
roof of the gate house and the flag 
fell, clinging unharmed to its stand- 
ard, — no sooner falling than the 
brave United States Marines caught 



22 OLDCHINA 

it ere it reached the ground, and up 
it went in a tree near by, and there 
it waved in triumph until August 14, 
the day the allied forces lifted the 
siege. 

But this dear flag had served its 
day and a bright new one rose over 
the gate house. I saw it, and sought 
out the old flag, — it was my love. 
I found it cast aside. It is one of 
my treasures and I caress it. 



THE POWER OF MUSIC 



W 



1900 



HILE the allied forces of the 
eight foreign nations were still in 
Peking, General Chaffee invited the 
American Minister, his family, his 
staff members and their families, 
with others, to witness the raising 
of our flag at the American camp 
headquarters in the Temple of 
Agriculture. 

In an open field of this Temple 
was a very large, elevated, open, 
white marble altar platform, with a 
marble balustrade encircling it. The 
guests occupied this beautiful place 
with nothing obstructing their view. 
The infantry stood in review at 
the east of this marble platform; the 
mounted cavalry on the south; the 
artillery on the west; and the band 
on the north, with the officers who 
were conducting the ceremonies. At 
twelve o'clock the band began to 



24 OLDCHINA 

play "The Star-spangled Banner." 
Every one was on his feet, heads 
were uncovered, and the flag began 
to rise. Up it steadily went — up — 
up, and when the last note sounded 
it was at the top of that high pole. 
Thrilling cheers greeted it in its tri- 
umphant waving. At home we dearly 
love our flag, but in foreign lands we 
almost worship at its shrine. 

In those dark days of resentment 
after the siege, the foreigner showed 
little respect or consideration for 
the Chinese or their effects. One 
day, two Russian soldiers entered 
the home of a well-to-do Chinaman, 
searching through everything, loot- 
ing, and insulting the women and 
children. The husband and father 
protested, but to no effect. Finally, 
he began to play the Russian na- 
tional air upon a piccolo. The two 
men at once dropped their loot, 
stopped their bad behavior, and be- 
came men of honor. They stood 
erect and silent before the musician 
and listened to his sweet music. At 
its finish they saluted and passed 
out into the street empty-handed. 



THE POWER OF MUSIC 25 

Every nation and every individual 
has a note in the rhythm of life 
which, if struck, peals forth its sweet 
melody, and the brotherhood of man 
is heard and felt. I asked a Russian 
grand duke the meaning of this 
great respect to their national air. 
He replied, "It is a prayer." You 
may question how this Chinese knew 
Russian music. 

In Peking there was an English 
gentleman, Sir Robert Hart, In- 
spector-General of the Chinese Cus- 
toms. He was a lover of music and 
believed in its efficacy. He formed 
a band of forty pieces, hired these 
men (Chinese), paid their instructor, 
bought their fine foreign instruments, 
foreign music, Chinese uniforms, and 
in fact everything pertaining to a 
good band; then invited foreigners 
to his lawn parties, outdoor con- 
certs, dances in his ballroom, dinners, 
and Wednesday "at home." It was 
the only band in Peking. When 
the siege came upon us, Sir Robert, 
with the other foreigners, was com- 
pelled to flee for his life from his 
beautiful home, gardens, and all 



26 OLDCHINA 

of his belongings, to the British 
Legation. His bandmen fled far 
and near. This Chinese with his 
piccolo was one of these men. Surely, 
no good thought or act is ever lost. 
If there had been no other harvest 
from the wealth Sir Robert put into 
that band, the saving of that Chinese 
family was harvest rich enough. It 
is well to have the silent melody of 
sincere prayer echoing and re-echoing 
in our national airs and emblems. 
It is Love's peaceful, tender voice 
without word or sound. 



E 



A SERVICE IN THE 
FORBIDDEN CITY 

1904 



ARLY one morning while out 
upon our horses in a refreshing ride, 
we perceived piles of yellow soil 
by the roadside. We knew that 
the soil pertained to the Imperial 
Court, as it was yellow, and that it 
would be scattered over the line of 
march to the Forbidden City. On 
inquiry we learned that the Empress 
and her court princesses were com- 
ing in from the summer palace for 
a special service at a special shrine 
in the Forbidden City. The Empress 
and her princesses bow before this 
shrine in behalf of the silkworm. 
Here they offer sacrifices and prayers 
for the protection, sustenance, and 
success of these little worms. A 
princess explained that there are 
different shrines and temples in China 
for the worship of different gods. 



28 OLDCHINA 

The Emperor has a care for the 
people in general and makes pil- 
grimages to these sacred places, with 
prayers and sacrifices for the good 
of the whole Empire, while the Em- 
press has a special care for the 
domestic and personal needs of her 
subjects. This princess was one of 
Her Majesty's assistants in the cere- 
mony to the god of the silkworm. 
After the wonderful work of the 
little worm was finished — after each 
had wrapped itself carefully, thread 
by thread, in its almost perfect 
cocoon — we were out again riding 
and saw the yellow soil scattered 
upon the street and the court in 
imperial procession coming into the 
city, to worship again at the shrine 
of the god of this industrious worm. 
This time the Empress and her 
princesses were bringing their offer- 
ings of gratitude and thanks. No 
Chinese shrine for centuries has 
received more devotion than this 
one, and greater and still greater 
successes have followed and blessed 
this marvelous industry. 

China is conceded to be the home 



THE FORBIDDEN CITY 2g 

in which the silkworm was dis- 
covered some three or four thousand 
years ago. There are vague ancient 
stories of the utility of this indus- 
trious worm and the silk making. 
For centuries China jealously pro- 
tected from foreign invaders the 
secrets of the silk industry, which 
grew to such vastness and value 
that many parts of the civilized 
world were aroused with a desire 
and determination to partake of it. 
But China always has held and 
still holds the highest honors in 
the making of superior and almost 
numberless varieties of silk fabrics. 
Many of these older preserved silk 
textiles are exquisite in design, work- 
manship, quality, coloring, and value. 
No word or brush can portray with 
accuracy the richness and beauty of 
these productions. The little worm 
and, the stalwart man work together 
to produce them. 



NOTHING COMMON 

1 O the Chinese their simplest 
things are not "common." Each 
and all have their underlying mean- 
ing, and it is so well known by the 
Chinese that they detect and listen 
to the voices of these silently speak- 
ing things. The Chinese have many 
feast days and celebrate them accord- 
ing to ceremonies awarded them. 
For birthdays and weddings every 
gift must bear in some pronounced 
way two love characters standing 
side by side, with a bar uniting 
them, — "two loves united." Every 
tree, shrub, plant, and flower, every 
reptile, insect, bird, and animal is 
symbolical of a certain idea and in 
some, representation carries its greet- 
ing to the different celebrations. 

I often took embroideries, fabrics, 
porcelains, brasses, bronzes, cloi- 
sonne, lacquer, and wood carvings to 
a scholar and had them read to me. 
As we broaden our views, the bar- 



NOTHING COMMON 31 

riers which hedge us in break away, 
and the golden rule makes mellow 
our thoughts with broader recogni- 
tion and more generous activities. 

The educated Chinese and those 
of recognized standing in the social 
and official world have an acknowl- 
edged place of their own and that 
place is respected, and this is just 
as true with every caste of the 
Chinese, from the throne to the 
beggar. They never elbow each 
other nor step upon one another's 
toes, because each knows his own 
rights and claims nothing else. They 
have their court and common eti- 
quette, to which they adhere. Even 
if their customs differ from those 
of the other nations, they may be 
just as proper in the sight of the 
Great Judicial Court of all as the 
etiquette more generally accepted by 
other people. The innate grace, cor- 
dial politeness, and untiring watch- 
fulness of the higher classes make 
them most attractive hosts and host- 
esses. When we get near them in 
their palaces and homes, under dif- 
ferent circumstances, there is a depth 



32 OLDCHINA 

of feeling that wells up through 
their surface cement that floods one 
and awakens a desire to be more 
worthy within oneself, — to be better 
able to meet this flood in like 
strength. 

With small beginning, little by 
little, ways opened for me to enter 
forbidden places, sacred places, places 
of sorrow and of rejoicing. The 
Empress Dowager, the Empress, the 
princesses, and Chinese ladies, have 
taken me by the hand and gently 
led me through every part of their 
palaces (even their ancestral halls) 
and friendlily talked all the while. 
Our conversation was always through 
an interpreter, but a press of the 
hand, expression of eye and face, told 
even more than the uttered words. 
We became friends, and heart spoke 
to heart in a common language. I 
grew very fond of these ladies and felt 
at home with them. In our many 
meetings and talks a quality of 
character was detected which I had 
never felt before. I have never 
named this quality, because I find 
no word that describes it. Some 



NOTHING COMMON 33 

thoughts and affections are deeper 
than the most powerful words; they 
are the expressions of the Great 
Infinite Mind and Heart, uniting 
humanity. 

Every good thought, expressed or un- 
expressed, is echoing and re- 
echoing in the vast jorever. 



A CHINESE SANTA CLAUS 



C 



iHILDREN are teachable and 
they are lovable. They appeal to 
older people in their little individ- 
ualities. 

A letter came to the Peking Post- 
office addressed as follows: 

Santa Claus, 

Peking, China. 

It bore the United States postage, 
therefore it was sent to the United 
States Minister. Within was a letter 
written by a little girl in America 
to "Dear Santa." Evidently she 
had been told that Santa was in 
China, and she wrote telling her 
Christmas needs. The Minister's 
wife answered the letter as follows: 

"Peking, China. 
Jan. 25, 1903. 
"Dear Martha: 

"I am 'Santa' and your letter 
came across the seas to me in China. 
I was very near to you in your own 
home, and did you not know it? 



CHINESE SANTA CLAUS 35 

"I am 'Love' and I am known 
everywhere, for I live in the hearts 
of father, mother, sister, brother, 
grandparents, uncle, aunt, cousin, 
and friend, and through them I am 
known to the dear children. What 
made my little Martha write to 
far-off China to find Love Santa 
Claus? 

"Perhaps your child heart detects 
Love's far-reaching life more readily 
than older persons'. 

"You are quite right, Santa Claus 
is here in Peking and his warm, 
generous love is manifested through 
these Chinese people. 

"Christmas Day has passed long 
ago, but Love Santa Claus lives 
right on and always has many gifts 
for the little ones. I, Santa Claus, 
am with you in your dear home, and 
your letter makes me reach out to 
you from China. 

"I send a little box of simple 
Chinese toys to my little Martha. 
Love and good wishes will surely 
bear them safely to you. 

"Be a good little girl, kind to 
everybody, so that you will know 



36 OLDCHINA 

that Love is always with you, mak- 
ing you very happy. 

"Love, Love always, 

"Santa." 

This lady strove to cover all of 
her steps, so that no one could im- 
agine the identity of the writer. The 
next Christmas another letter, ad- 
dressed the same, came to the United 
States Legation from an older child. 
It was nicely written and told of 
Martha's receiving Santa's letter 
and little gifts. It stated that no 
gifts were desired, but instead Santa's 
autograph on the enclosed blank 
card. As the lady could not give 
her name, no reply was sent. 



THE FOLLY OF IGNORANCE 

VV HEN Baby Sarah came into 
the home of her father and mother, 
a cablegram darted across the Pacific 
and into the American Legation at 
Peking. It was received with rejoic- 
ings. The Chinese rejoiced with the 
grandparents, from throne down 
through many callings of life to the 
humblest of their servants, recogniz- 
ing that a wonderful event was theirs 
as child-bearing is considered the 
greatest honor and blessing that can 
come to a home. Many gifts, both 
beautiful and simple, were brought 
or sent to be forwarded to the little 
granddaughter. Among these, were 
suits of Chinese clothing. These 
were complete, even to the hats, 
shoes, and stockings. Many were 
beautifully made of embroidered silk 
or satin with fancy hats and em- 
broidered shoes. 

The little one's parents were de- 
lighted and wrote that when Sarah 



38 OLDCHINA 

grew into the smallest suit they 
would have her picture taken and 
send it to China. After a time it 
came. The mother wrote that the 
hat was too small, also the shoes, 
but she had taken from larger suits 
those that fitted the child. The 
mother had never seen little Chinese 
girls dressed, hence did not know that 
all the garments hang gracefully from 
their shoulders to their feet, the 
sleeves covering the hands, and un- 
dergarments not visible at all. Little 
Sarah had not only outgrown the hat 
and shoes, which she could not get on, 
but the whole suit, which was a very 
plain one and for a much younger 
child. 

The Chinese are very particular 
about the style and completeness 
of their dress. The grandparents 
did not show them the picture of 
little Sarah because it would have 
grieved them. But they sent the 
mother a picture of a little princess, 
showing the contrast and how the 
Chinese babies wear their clothes. 

This story is not without a lesson. 
It illustrates the effect of ignorantly 




A Real Chinese Ba 




"■ ; -'-" ■'■; 



■ ."' 



An American Baby in 
Chinese Clothes 



FOLLY OF IGNORANCE 39 

portraying people, their manners, or 
fashions. Often, in doing so, we 
come no nearer the truth than the 
ape does to the true man. Some- 
times offense is taken although none 
is intended. The wife of the Jap- 
anese Minister and Sarah's grand- 
mother were visiting a foreign lady 
in Peking. With seeming great 
pleasure this lady brought to them 
a large photograph of herself, stand- 
ing, representing a Chinese lady. 
Now, the costumes of the Manchu 
and the Chinese lady, the style of 
wearing the hair and dressing the 
feet, bear a marked difference. On 
the head of the lady in this picture 
was a Manchu head decoration 
perched upon the light-colored, 
puffed hair of the foreigner. The 
picture showed the pleated skirt and 
coat of the Chinese lady, but on the 
feet were Manchu shoes. The mix- 
ture of foreign hair, Manchu head- 
dress and shoes, with the Chinese 
skirt and coat was an absurdity. It 
represented absolutely nothing. 

When opportunity presented, the 
Japanese baroness pathetically said: 



40 OLDCHINA 

"The Chinese are just as exacting 
among their well-bred people about 
their rules of propriety as my people 
are. Every color, shade of color, and 
fold has its awarded place, and it is 
almost exasperating to see foreigners 
ignore every one of them in striving, 
ignorantly, to represent us." 

It is dangerous to imitate in ignorance. 
We only caricature ourselves. 



AN ANCIENT CUSTOM 

J_ HERE is a custom in China to 
observe certain ceremonies during 
the passage of the shadow which 
eclipses the sun's direct rays from 
our earth. This custom bears the 
date of ages long past. 

A party of Americans in Peking 
was permitted to witness the cere- 
monies of the Chinese officials during 
a total eclipse of the sun. These 
ceremonies were observed in the open 
court of one of their Imperial Boards. 
Extending in front of a large build- 
ing facing the south was an immense 
platform. In their proper places 
were musicians playing their wailing 
music upon various instruments, 
from the shrill little tones to the 
heavy bass. These in chorus 
sounded their doleful voices to 
frighten away the "evil spirit" that 
was striving to "devour the sun." 
Many imperially robed officials, in 



42 OLDCHINA 

special groups and at stated periods, 
quietly and solemnly emerged from 
the building and knelt on yellow 
cushions upon this platform. After 
their strange incantations and cere- 
monies they departed and others 
appeared. This continued until the 
sun was rescued and smiled again in 
glory. 

Through all time the heavens 
have awakened an unsatisfied desire 
in man to know of them. First, 
in ignorance, superstition held a 
terrifying fear that some destruc- 
tion might come to mankind through 
the starlit heavens. Ignorance al- 
ways fears destruction because there 
is no life to sustain it. As scientific 
reasoning brings forth a bright light, 
ignorance with its fears disappears, 
and science asserts itself. 

While China has discarded many 
of her more marked superstitions, 
she steadfastly clings to many ancient 
customs. Although her more pro- 
gressive people adhere to these su- 
perstitions in ceremony, they do 
not in conviction. Superstition is 
a phase of this mortal living and 



AN ANCIENT CUSTOM 43 

in degree taints the whole human 
family. We can, if willing, trace 
it in some form through our own 
characters; and then, if willing, we 
can eradicate it. 



TOWER, LAO HU, AND MOI YU 



T 



HE first imperial Chinese pug 
we brought home from China was 
named Tower, and the little fellow 
had a history. After the siege of 
Peking was raised, a Russian officer 
took from his pocket and gave to 
my daughter a mite of a dog, saying: 
"I found this small fellow in the 
Empress Dowager's private room, 
almost starved. The court had left 
him when it fled. He was, however, 
very active and literally refused to 
be captured. I will present him to 
you with my compliments. " The 
Chinese boys cleaned him up, petted 
him, and assured him that he was 
in a good home. His fear was de- 
stroyed, and he soon became very 
fond of his new mistress and ruled 
the household. He was bright and 
became an educated dog in foreign 
ways, learned to have many wants, 
and never hesitated to let us know 
them. He did not like to be alone. 



LAO HU AND MOI YU 45 

When he was sleepy and wished to 
go to bed, he would sit up and 
with a pleading low voice ask for his 
basket. If not brought at once, with 
his teeth he would get it himself, 
jump into it, and go to sleep. We 
brought him home to America and 
the first day on the train he was 
almost wild with fear. I took the 
little trembling baby in my arms, 
and with his eyes looking into mine 
I talked gently and kindly to him. 
He was all right until night; then 
he jumped out of the basket and onto 
my bed. I said, "Yes, Tower, come, 
you may stay with me." He cud- 
dled close to me; I covered him all 
over, and in peace and quiet he slept 
all night and was afraid no more 
during our journey. 

These imperial dogs are quick to 
learn. They look right at you when 
you are talking to them and catch 
your meaning. I have had six of 
these Chinese imperial pugs and 
brought three of them to America. 
I find they manifest many good 
qualities of the Chinese character. 
The Chinese will watch you and 



46 OLDCHINA 

listen and catch your meaning, al- 
though they do not know a word of 
your language. The character of 
an animal is modified, strengthened, 
or weakened by the character- 
atmosphere it breathes. 

These small pugs are house dogs 
and they become companions. I 
must tell you about Lao Hu. Every- 
body loves him, for he makes himself 
lovable. He marches up to people, 
wagging his plumy tail as much as 
to say, "How do you do?" and 
people gladly respond to him. 

These pets are privileged char- 
acters and are allowed to occupy 
upholstered chairs and sofas. Lao 
Hu had a companion who often 
wanted the chair that he was in. 
She would go to him and sit up, and 
he would at once get down and take 
another chair. I generally bathed 
my three dogs the same night and 
Lao Hu always first. One night I 
decided to bathe the two blacks 
and not him. When I started to 
get ready for the task, Lao Hu came 
jumping and dancing about me. I 
did not think to tell him my plans 



LAO HU AND MOI YU 47 

and picked up Shea and took him 
away. Lao Hu, disappointed, went 
into a room which he does not fre- 
quent. When I returned, he came 
again dancing about me, with his 
big white tail waving in the air. 
Then I said: "No, Lao Hu, I am not 
going to bathe you tonight. Come, 
jump into your bed and go to 
sleep." He did this and was satis- 
fied. Why did I not think to tell 
him my plans at first? 

I have four bells, — front door, 
maid's, telephone, and table bell. 
These are all in the back hall and 
kitchen. When the door bell rings, 
the dogs will give a bark and come 
to me as if to tell me about it. 
When the maid's bell rings, they will 
rush for the kitchen; when the 
telephone and table bells ring, they 
never notice them. They follow 
me upstairs and down until I put 
on my hat, then they do not notice 
me but shut their eyes in sleep. I 
never take them driving, as I do not 
wish to lessen their home joys. 

Lao Hu will come and gaze in- 
tently at me until he gains my atten- 



48 OLDCHINA 

tion, then he wags his tail and I 
say: "What is it, Lao Hu? Do you 
want to go outdoors? want water? 
want my dress to lie upon? Do you 
want to get in my lap?" When I 
ask the right thing, he will grunt a 
little "Yes," and his want will be 
granted. 

My three pet dogs love affection 
and attention, and they come many 
times a day for a little love mani- 
fested. If I am obliged to repri- 
mand one, the others will stand back 
until I forgive and make up with the 
one reprimanded; then they will all 
dance about me in great glee. They 
have appreciative natures and are 
intensely loyal to their friends, and 
with a Chinese memory they never 
forget them. Moi Yu's master had 
not seen her for two years. He 
entered the home where she was 
staying, and while he was waiting 
to be received, two little dogs came 
barking down the stairs and placing 
their little black heads against the 
bannister, peeped through. Moi 
Yu's master recognized one little 
face and said: "Why, Moi Yu!" 



LAO HU AND MOI YU 49 

That was enough. Down she went 
and leaped upon him with cries of 
joy that were pitiful, and would not 
leave him for a moment during his 
stay. Three years passed and she 
came to her mistress. At the meet- 
ing she was almost wild and it 
seemed that her little heart would 
burst with joy. 



SHERZA AND LAO HU 

vjNE bright day in Peking, a 
yellow card was brought to me. I 
knew at once that it was from 
the Imperial Palace. Two court 
eunuchs and a mounted escort fol- 
lowed this card. One eunuch was 
carrying a pretty flat basket, and 
lying in this basket, upon a red 
satin pad, was a small black puppy 
from the palace kennels. She was 
like a little puffball. Her imperial 
trappings of harness and ornaments 
were wonderful. Around this little 
one's neck was a yellow silk collar 
with gold bells and upright tassels; 
about her body was a harness of 
heavy yellow silk braid fastened 
with gold buckles; at the back of 
this harness was a gold ornament 
and to this ornament was attached 
a very heavy yellow cord with a gold 
hook at its end to fasten to my belt 
when taking the little one walking. 





11 


1 


lli lift ^ 

- 


&Bt ts X *' 


s*-- 


Hi liS : 


nr J 


-^J 





Sherza's" Rival — Baby "Lao H 



SHERZA AND LAO HU 51 

Fastened to the collar was a slip 
of yellow silk bearing my little 
pet's name. In my great surprise 
and delight, what could I say? The 
little one looked right into my face 
with her big, round, black eyes, 
without one thought of fear. I 
said "Sherza" and stroked her, 
and we were friends. She was a 
gift from Her Imperial Majesty, the 
Empress Dowager of China, and 
came in royal style. 

I had long wanted one of these 
Peking pugs but had not been able 
to find one in all the city. They 
are strictly for the palace kennels, 
and only gifts or stray or stolen 
ones get outside. These pets are 
bright and can be taught all sorts 
of tricks. They mind readily and 
are sensitive to tone of voice or 
manner toward them. They love 
to be loved. 

This little one became a real 
member of our family and in mute 
language conversed with us. She 
knew what we said and responded 
to it. 

Months after her coming, the 



52 OLDCHINA 

Empress Dowager sent another baby 
dog to me. He was auburn and 
white. He brought his name, Lao 
Hu, with him from Her Majesty. 
I sat upon the floor with baby Lao 
Hu in my lap and called Sherza. 
She came, examined the little fellow, 
then stepped back, sat down, and 
looked at me. I talked with Sherza 
and told her that I wanted her to 
help me care for this newcomer 
into our home. Without remaining 
longer, she turned her back on us 
and went direct to her master, 
jumped into his lap, and cuddled 
close to him. I put the little Lao Hu 
aside and went to her. She climbed 
upon her master's shoulder with 
back to me. I faced her again, but 
at once she turned her back. She 
resisted my touch. I reasoned with 
her, but she would not listen. For 
three days she would receive no 
attention of mine nor a morsel of 
food from my hand. She clung 
closely to her master. It was pa- 
thetic, but I held my ground that it 
was Lao Hu's home, too, and that 
she must help take care of him. The 



SHERZA AND LAO HU 53 

third day jealousy was conquered, 
and from that time on she was a 
careful protector and happy com- 
panion of our Lao Hu. 

These little dogs sat up, jumped 
through hoops, and did many bright 
things. I am going to tell you a 
sad story about our Sherza with a 
ray of light shining through it. 

One morning I saw my dear little 
pet lying upon the floor struggling. 
I rang the bell, then quietly took 
her in my lap, and without another 
struggle she breathed her last. She 
seemed to have been poisoned. 

When Wang answered the bell I 
burst out crying and said, "Sherza 
has left us." This big man stood 
at the door in silence looking at me 
and finally, in tones of sympathy, 
asked, "Shall I call a doctor?" The 
absurdity of the situation brought 
me to my senses and I said: "No, 
Wang, that would do no good. 
You get me a nice box and we will 
line it and place her in it." When 
he returned, he brought a box, 
wadded and lined with blue silk. 
We placed Sherza in the beautiful 



54 OLDCHINA 

bed that my faithful servant had 
made for her. Wang screwed the 
cover on, wrapped the box in brown 
paper; and tied it securely. We 
chose a place in the garden to bury 
her. Wang placed another box over 
the wrapped one, and the coolie 
filled in the soil. We left a little 
mound in the garden. Later, I 
passed that way and saw flowers 
upon the mound. I stood and looked 
upon those flowers. I knelt down 
and petted them, for I knew what 
kind thought for me had placed 
them there. On returning to my 
room, I called Wang and asked: 
"Who placed those beautiful flowers 
upon Sherza's mound?" He said: 
"I did, Madam. I thought Madam 
would like them there.' ' 

In about six months we moved 
from this legation to our temple 
legation. After the last of our 
belongings had been moved, Wang 
came to me and said, " I now go get 
Sherza." I had not thought of 
moving her, but I said, "Thank you, 
Wang, bring her here and we will 
find a good place for her." Again 



SHERZA AND LAO HU $$ 

the gentle hand of the Chinaman 
laid her away. 

Do you not detect the ray of sun- 
shine through this sad event? The 
many kind, thoughtful deeds of that 
big Chinese man have given an 
increasing helpful influence along 
my pathway even to this day. The 
Infinite Good and Good's reflection 
is all that is enduring, and this Good 
reflected in our thoughts and deeds 
is all that we can really give our 
fellow-men. This Good, reflected 
through us, multiplies and multi- 
plies its good influence along the 
shores of time. 

The quality of heart and mind 

is portrayed in ideas and 

actions. 



THINGS TALK 

1 HINGS are akin to people. If 
we like them and show them recogni- 
tion, they with an individuality will 
work with us. This is why the 
Oriental things are attractive. They 
have a character of their own which 
seems intelligent, and when we sug- 
gest that such or such a thing goes 
in a certain place, it often objects 
and tells us so. If we listen and keep 
trying until it is pleased with its 
place and surroundings, it smiles in 
gladness and reflects that gladness. 
AH things are thoughts manifested, 
and some thoughts are in line, and 
complement one another in harmony, 
while others reject even a recogni- 
tion of casual acquaintance. 

My beautiful collection of intri- 
cate work from China, Japan, Corea, 
the Philippines, Brazil, and other 
parts of North and South America 
and Europe, is not loved and enjoyed 
because of its money or material 



THINGS TALK 57 

value. I keep in mind the thought 
value, — the richness of thought that 
was able to manifest them. As I 
comprehend the patient, persever- 
ing, accurate, loving heart work 
through and through these produc- 
tions, I love and appreciate them 
more and still more. Every little 
detail speaks of greatness. They 
are like the little grace notes in 
music, which add character to the 
heavier notes; or like the dainty 
touches of color in painting, which 
add life and action to the picture; 
or, again, like the smallest fraction 
which adds perfection to the mathe- 
matical problem. Yes, I love these 
speaking things, in detail and as a 
whole, that tell me the thoughts of 
days long gone by. And, too, each 
one has a little heart story, telling 
how it came to me. I have indulged 
and rather courted the idea from my 
early childhood, not to have any- 
thing in my keeping which did not 
bear good-will, or that would remind 
me of any unhappy thought con- 
nected with it. The intrinsic value 
of my treasures is little in comparison 



58 OLDCHINA 

to the bright, loving joy song which 
they sing in a harmonious chorus. 
My home, filled with sweet memories, 
is a living joy that points heaven- 
ward. 



CHINA'S RELIGION 

1 HE religion of China is composed 
of and modified by Confucianism, 
Buddhism, Taoism, and other teach- 
ings. Individuals and nations por- 
tray or reflect in action the God 
they truly and secretly worship in 
their inmost hearts. Honesty is not 
a traitor, but in its might uncovers 
and reveals the naked truth. 

China's great period of literature 
was between 1122 b.c. and 249 b.c. 
Confucius was born 550 b.c. He 
was a philosopher and scholar; his 
writings have molded the lives of 
more people than any other writings 
in recorded history. He is a saint 
to the Chinese, — embodiment of 
wisdom. He founded no religion, 
but the spirit of the ever-living 
Christ can be traced through his 
teachings. In every home, school, 
and college Confucius' classics are 
taught, and the children and older 
people must commit and repeat 



60 OLDCHINA 

them. For centuries the "Nine 
Classics" formed the foundation for 
Chinese education, religion, philos- 
ophy, and etiquette. They are so 
positive and uplifting that they 
forged an empire stronger than 
steel. These classical teachings, 
learned and practised, have upheld 
China through the roaring earth- 
quakes and tumultuous billows. 

There is a large temple in Peking 
builded in memory of this great 
sage. It is composed of many build- 
ings and courts. The whole temple 
is wonderfully impressive in its sol- 
emn grandeur. In the finest build- 
ing is a large tablet to Confucius, 
before which the Emperor worships. 
There are also tablets to his closest 
followers. The many memorials 
placed in walls or standing alone 
and in open courts indicate what 
reverence China holds for its great 
benefactor. Many temples are built 
throughout China in revered memory 
of Confucius, but none was builded 
in his memory by imperial edict 
until the first century of the Christian 
era. This great man unselfishly and 



china's religion 6l 

devotedly worked out and gave to 
China a code for living. Through- 
out the Empire his word is quoted 
as law, settling controversies for all 
classes. 

The respect and love the Chinese 
have for parents, the aged, for 
children, for all life, animal and 
vegetable, have been planted and 
fostered through the lofty teachings 
of Confucius. This judicious man 
emphasized an unfailing loyalty 
to every vow. A missionary illus- 
trated this point: A man of many 
years was seen measuring his length 
in the road. He would lie down, 
arise, take a few steps, and lie down 
again. This he repeated time after 
time. The missionary inquired, 
"Why this penance?" and asked the 
aged, weary, and soil-stained man to 
ride on his cart. The man earnestly 
replied: "I cannot. My son was 
very ill and I prayed the good spirit 
to spare him to me. He was all I 
had. I made a solemn, sacred vow 
if he remained with me and his 
health restored, I would measure 
my length over every foot of the 



62 OLDCHINA 

fifty miles between my home and 
my ancestral tombs. He did get 
well and I now am faithful to that 
vow." 

Again: I have seen large trees 
in temple and palace grounds tied 
and propped up in many ways, for 
"they must not fall." When at the 
Western Hills, in our summer temple 
home, a large, five-foot snake fell 
from the rolled awning above our 
door into the court. I rang the 
bell furiously and servants came 
flocking from different directions. 
When they saw the snake, they 
halted and stood silent. The first 
Mafoo (stableman) stepped quietly 
forward, gently took it by the tail 
with his hand, then lifted and carried 
it out of the compound, and with a 
slight toss dropped it in the ravine 
below. Once before, when in the 
garden, I called the gardener to 
come and kill a snake. Instead of 
inflicting a blow, he carefully, with 
his broom, directed it to a hole in 
the wall. I did not understand this 
consideration given to reptiles and 
asked my boy Wang why they were 



china's religion 63 

not killed. He replied: "Chinaman 
no kill snake, Chinaman good to 
snake, snake good to Chinaman. 
Chinaman kill snake, snake kill 
Chinaman." 

It is a conceded jact that there is an 

influence going out with every 

thought and act and on its 

return brings blessings or 

cursings. 



A WONDERFUL WOMAN 

THE LATE EMPRESS DOWAGER 
OF CHINA 

1 HE father of the late Empress 
Dowager of China was a Manchu 
military official of third rank. His 
post was not a lucrative one, and at 
his death his family was very poor. 
He left a wife and three children, — 
two daughters and a son. The eld- 
est was the late Empress Dowager, 
the wife of Emperor Hsien Feng. 
The second daughter married Prince 
Ch'ung, the father of the late Em- 
peror Kwang Hsu. 

As customary and mandatory with 
the Chinese and Manchus the re- 
mains of this deceased official were 
taken to his place of birth for burial. 
The bereaved mother hired a boat 
to take her husband's remains, her- 
self, and children down the Yangtze. 
The boat anchored at Hankow; and 
as the family was so destitute, it 
seemed impossible for them ever to 



■ 



ii 



a******.******** 




Her Imperial Majesty, the Late Empress 
Dowager of China 



A WONDERFUL WOMAN 65 

reach Peking. There were many 
boats in the harbor at Hankow; 
and after this boat had been detained 
several days, a mistake was made 
which proved to be a blessing to 
this family in their sorrow and 
troubles. 

Wu-tang, the magistrate who held 
jurisdiction over Hankow, wishing 
to show honor to an official on his 
way to Peking, sent a feast and two 
hundred taels as a gift. The ser- 
vants in charge of these gifts carried 
them to the wrong boat, which was 
also on its way to Peking, and de- 
livered them to the widow. The 
magistrate's card and the offerings 
were overwhelming in the hour of 
utmost need; but supposing that 
Wu-tang was a friend of her deceased 
husband, the sorrowing woman in 
gratitude stepped forward in sight 
to thank the servants, saying that 
she, a woman, could not go ashore 
to thank the magistrate who had 
so greatly honored and bountifully 
blessed her; and requested that His 
Honor come on board her boat, 
that she might thank him. When 



66 OLDCHINA 

the servants in charge of the gifts 
returned to the Yamen and told 
Wu-tang what they had done, he 
was furious. He did not know this 
man nor had he ever heard of him, 
and lamented over "good money 
wasted." 

The servants in dismay went to 
the Chinese legal adviser, whose 
opinion is always respected at the 
Yamen, and begged him to intercede 
with their master to desist from in- 
flicting punishment, for it was purely 
a mistake. The adviser did inter- 
cede in the servants' behalf. He 
went to see the magistrate and sug- 
gested to him, as the gifts had 
already been presented, it seemed 
best for him to make a personal 
call and pay his respects to the dead. 
In this way he would get out of the 
dilemma gracefully. The next day 
Wu-tang in his official dress and 
black outer garment visited the boat, 
sent in his card, and made his obei- 
sance to the remains. The widow 
prostrated herself before him in 
gratitude. He gave her to under- 
stand that he knew her husband 



A WONDERFUL WOMAN 67 

and this was a slight offering given 
in his memory. She kowtowed and 
said, "I never can repay you, but 
I will give to you my oldest daughter 
Chao as your god-daughter." This 
is an honor Chinese bestow upon 
benefactors. The eldest daughter 
was presented and kowtowed to 
Wu-tang and called him her god- 
father. He returned the salutation 
and called her his god-daughter. 
He perceived this was the only way 
to comfort the sorrowing woman in 
her great desire to pay him for the 
respect he showed her dead husband 
and the help he had given her in 
time of need. 

Years passed and the instance was 
forgotten by Wu-tang. 

This official was never noted 
for his diligent, industrious, whole- 
hearted work; and yet he was pro- 
moted to the office of Sub-Prefect 
of Kansu Province. The Viceroy, 
who was an able, up-and-doing 
man, memorialized the Throne, to 
denounce him as unfit for the post 
and praying that he be removed 
from service. When read, Wu-tang 



68 OLDCHINA 

was a familiar name, and a decree was 
issued that Wu-tang be promoted 
to the post of Prefect. Thinking 
there must be a misunderstanding as 
to his former memorial, the Viceroy 
reiterated the charges to the Throne. 
In reply a second decree came, mak- 
ing Wu-tang Taotai, — a step still 
higher. This was a severe blow to 
the Viceroy. He sent for the offen- 
sive man and asked if he had "ever 
known the Empress Dowager per- 
sonally." He replied that he had 
"never had the honor." He again 
questioned, "Have you any secret 
influence at Peking to work in your 
behalf." The reply was full and 
earnest: "No, I have no friend in 
Peking and no official acquaintance." 
In a third memorial the Viceroy re- 
quested the Throne to order Wu-tang 
to Peking for an audience, that they 
might see for themselves what an in- 
significant, worthless fellow they had 
promoted to these high, responsible 
posts. The highly appointed official 
proceeded to Peking ; and with bowed 
head humbly knelt before the throne. 
The Empress Dowager inquired into 



A WONDERFUL WOMAN 69 

his past record, then told him to 
raise his head and look at her. 

Wu-tang obeyed her command 
and beheld, sitting on the throne, 
the identical young girl who knelt 
before him and called him god-father 
thirty years before. 

In his overwhelming surprise, lan- 
guage had no words, and in devout 
reverence he bowed low before her. 
And this woman was the great Em- 
press Dowager of China, whose 
name history will steadfastly preserve 
through time. What Her Majesty 
said from the fulness of her mind 
and heart is a secret from the world. 
But her words had power in them, for 
Wu-tang returned to his post and with 
an awakened latent vigor diligently 
worked for the good he could do; 
and in honor laid down this world's 
toils with the insignia Viceroy upon 
his name. 

This story of Her Imperial Majesty 
the late Empress Dowager of China, 
portrays a depth of character that 
he who looks can perceive, who 
listens can hear its melody, who 
feels can know its warmth. 



70 OLDCHINA 

After reaching Peking, little Chao 
was taken a concubine into the 
palace. She had been educated only 
in the lower or simple classics for 
girls and the "Filial Piety Classic," 
teaching obedience to those above 
them in authority. The Emperor 
Hsien Feng's eye was upon her and 
detected her great desire to learn. 
The educated eunuch teachers of 
the imperial harem were more than 
pleased with this attractive, bright 
girl, who was ambitious for the 
education they could give her. Her 
comprehension was acute, and she 
learned from observation of all about 
her. Devotion to her studies and 
what they were doing for her at- 
tracted the attention of the young 
Empress and, later, the affection of 
the Emperor. She was chosen his 
first secondary wife. These two 
women became heart friends and 
remained thus as long as they both 
lived. This secondary wife bore to 
the Emperor his only son who died 
in youth. Ere long she was raised 
to the honors of wife and given the 
title of "Western Empress," as the 



A WONDERFUL WOMAN 71 

first wife was "Eastern Empress." 
From that date, the two women were 
equal in rank and in power before 
the world. No envy, jealousy, or 
enmity tarnished their lives with one 
another. One desired ease and com- 
fort, while the other courted the 
events that aroused to action the 
ability to cope with the questions of 
state 1 . China was under a cloud 
of war at the death of Emperor 
Hsien Feng, and Prince Kung, his 
brother, became adviser to the East- 
ern and Western Empress Dowagers 
who, notwithstanding their bereave- 
ment, took the reign of the Empire. 
Darkest clouds that ever threatened 
any nation have gathered during 
the forty-two years' reign of the 
late Empress Dowager. Trials at 
home have been appalling, but the 
aggressive foreigner has gathered 
the darkest clouds over China and 
provoked her to atrocities unworthy 
of her better judgment. 

It became evident that Her 
Majesty realized more than any of 
her predecessors that China must 
arouse herself to the demands of 



72 OLDCHINA 

other nations if she would stand 
abreast with them, and not be de- 
voured. One of Her Majesty's chief 
characteristics as a ruler has been 
her marked ability to choose strong 
statesmen, the wisest advisers and 
safest leaders from among her most 
efficient officers, both conservative 
and progressive. 

This woman, — this ruler of the 
great Chinese Empire for forty-two 
years I have met many times and 
felt the touch of her gentle hand and 
listened to the mellow tones of her 
voice and gained her friendship. 
Many treasures in my memory and 
my keeping tell me that she was my 
friend. 

Values are in thoughts. We feel 

thoughts, — some are mellow, some 

are hard. Everything reflects its 

own character. It cannot be 

otherwise. Love is the Mighty 

Power and all creation feels 

its gentle touch and 

peacefully yields to 

its influence. 



CHINA'S STRENGTH 

I^INCE the troubles of 1900 
China's pulse has increased in vigor, 
without fever heat, to a healthy 
action that forces her on into fields 
unknown before. The last private 
audience given me by Her Imperial 
Majesty, the late Empress Dowager, 
revealed more than at any other 
time Her Majesty's eager thought 
for a broader activity in her people. 
Our conversation was long and 
earnest, — mostly of China and 
America. Other nations have their 
individualities, but by a constant 
contact with sister-nations these 
individualities are tuned into com- 
parative harmony. If China wishes 
to be in accord with this universal 
chorus, she will have to think it out 
in her own way. May China's rulers 
and her subjects stand as a unit 
and all work together for the estab- 
lishment and preservation of their 
new republic. Their innate positive- 



74 OLDCHINA 

ness and tireless activity will arouse 
slumbering strength, unknown to 
other nations and unknown to them- 
selves. 

The downfall of the empire and 
the rise of the republic will bring 
their changes, but China has not 
fallen. The quality of her heart 
and mind sustains her. Her situa- 
tion is appalling, but her sturdy, 
quiet activity will bring her out of 
her dilemma. As new necessities 
present themselves to the progres- 
sive Chinese, steps are taken to 
meet the demands of these necessi- 
ties. Commissioners are equipped 
with plans and sent out to gather 
information needed to vitalize their 
republic. They work quietly, but 
with a steadfastness that keeps them 
moving. 

There are thirteen legations in 
Peking, and each is within a walled 
compound. These thirteen legations, 
representing the foreign countries, are 
at peace with China. The uprising 
of 191 1- 19 1 2 was not against the 
foreigner, but an internal revolution 
to overthrow the Manchu dynasty. 






4 

•6» 



Ching Chun Wang 

An Untiring Worker for his Country 



china's strength 75 

The indemnity fund that China 
awarded the United States in 1901, 
the United States gave back to China, 
and she is using this fund for the 
education of her boys and girls 
abroad. A large per cent of those 
sent to America to be educated are 
those who have attended' American 
mission schools and colleges in China. 
These are mostly Chinese and not 
Manchus. This mission education 
gives the Chinese students a knowl- 
edge, although limited, of the Eng- 
lish language, and of foreign schools 
and customs. 

Since 1900, great changes have 
taken place in Peking, and in many 
ways the city is becoming foreignized. 
Railroads are making their way in- 
land. A trip to the Great Wall of 
China is no longer a toilsome one, 
but its picturesque features are gone, 
never to return. 

The new China, with the qualities 
of the old China, invigorated by 
good qualities of the younger nations, 
is marching steadily forward at a 
rapid pace. The Empire was builded 
upon stability and it has proven her 



76 OLDCHINA 

to be almost impregnable. She stood 
upon her own ground and worked 
out her knotty problems. Her whole 
system, political, social, and financial, 
was a wheel within a wheel, with such 
accurately adjusted cogs that the 
whole country kept going with clock- 
like precision. China has received 
ruthless piercings from the con- 
stant peckings of the foreigner with 
his so-called progressive ideas. It 
may be that this pecking was the 
only thing that could arouse her 
and make her show her mettle. 

China's coming generations will 
have mighty battles to fight and in- 
tricate problems to solve. But they 
can do it all. This people has a 
stored power, born of patience and 
nurtured by steadfastness, endu- 
rance, and love for native land; and 
this power will show itself and con- 
quer. 

May China so adjust herself as 
to walk with equal honors in the 
great sisterhood of nations. Step 
by step this old empire — new 
republic — is marching forward. 
Not only do men join hands, but 



CHINA S STRENGTH 77 

men and women unite in equal 
suffrage to battle in the progressive 
struggle for their new republic. 

May China's new flag with its 
five stripes unfurl its folds and wave 
protection and progress to its five 
dependencies and its millions of 
peoples! May men and women 
hand in hand step together in formu- 
lating and building a new, a true 
republic. 



YUAN-SHIH-K'AI 



Y 



UAN-SHIH-K'AI did not enter 
official life in the usual Chinese 
manner, by the narrow door of the 
examination halls. His honorable 
father opened a wider door for him- 
self and son through their ability 
and favor at court. The old adage, 
"Blood will tell," proves true in 
this case, for the son has shown far 
more conspicuous ability than the 
father. He rose in the sight and 
confidence of the court, of Chinese 
officials, and the people, through 
manifested wisdom, judgment, and 
untiring activity. A growing force- 
ful character was continually reveal- 
ing itself in a stronger light. He 
was born in the Province of Honan, 
in the heart of China, and was a 
protege of Jung-Iu, who held great 
favor at court, and through his 
influence Yuan-Shih-K'ai advanced 
in his high official career. He was 
appointed to posts of great re- 




General Yuan-Shih-K'ai 
First Presideyit of China 



yuan-shih-k'ai 79 

sponsibilities, to settle difficulties, 
and brought to the throne victory's 
laurels. 

In September, 1898, he was sum- 
moned to a midnight audience to 
arrange a plan of placing the Em- 
press Dowager under guard and 
removing Jung-Iu to the spirit world. 
He appeared to acquiesce in the 
plans of His Imperial Majesty. 
Evidently he did not have confi- 
dence in the visionary advisers whom 
the Emperor had chosen. Yuan 
hastened back to Tientsin and to 
his camp without waiting for the 
death warrant. It followed next 
morning by T'ang, who was ordered 
to see it executed and on no account 
lose sight of Yuan-Shih-K'ai. If 
Yuan hesitated to carry out his 
orders, T'ang was to do it himself. 
But Yuan-Shih-K'ai took the green 
arrow and the death warrant on 
the yellow satin and went with 
T'ang to Jung-Iu's Yamen; stationed 
T'ang at the front gate with orders 
to prevent at any cost Jung-Iu's 
escape; and he himself went inside 
and disclosed the whole plan to 



80 OLDCHINA 

Jung-Iu who fled through a rear gate, 
secured an engine, and hastened 
to Peking, where he warned the 
Empress Dowager and brought 
about the coup d'etat which re- 
sulted in the confinement of the 
Emperor on the island in the For- 
bidden City and the sending of 
his ill-timed advisers into exile or 
to the execution grounds. 

T'ang became anxious because 
Yuan-Shih-K'ai tarried so long and 
was about to enter when the gate 
opened and Yuan faced him, saying, 
" I have searched everywhere but 
am unable to find Jung-Iu." T'ang 
hastened to inform the conspirators. 
K'ang Yu-wei and Liang Chih-Chiao 
escaped, while T'ang met his death. 
An edict was issued by the im- 
prisoned Emperor calling the Em- 
press Dowager back to his aid. 
Her Majesty resuming reign, the 
government moved on without ap- 
parent serious difficulties, and Yuan- 
Shih-K'ai was promoted from time 
to time to posts of greater impor- 
tance. Yu-hsien, the " Boxer" advo- 
cate, was a notorious trouble-maker. 



Y U A N- S H I H- k'a I 8l 

He was the inaugurator of the 
" Boxer' ' uprising against the for- 
eigners in Shantung and Shanci 
which finally culminated in the awful 
siege of Peking in 1900. Yuan-Shih- 
K'ai literally refused to take any part 
in this movement and maintained 
peace throughout his province dur- 
ing this blood-thirsty period. All 
missionaries and foreigners were 
safely escorted to the coast from 
his province. After the siege was 
raised, this brave, judicious man was 
recognized as one of China's strong- 
est supports in time of need, and 
higher honors were bestowed upon 
him. His mother died in 1901, and 
according to Chinese custom he 
should have retired from all public 
service for twenty-seven months. 
At this critical period the govern- 
ment so needed his services that he 
remained on duty. After the death 
of the great Li Hung-Chang, in 1901, 
he was appointed Viceroy of the 
important post in Chili. In Decem- 
ber of the same year he was honored 
with the title of "Junior Guardian" 
of the heir apparent, and in January, 



82 OLDCHINA 

1902, was decorated with the Yellow 
Jacket. This imperial jacket stands 
for marked honors, and this honored 
man wore this badge as the court 
returned to Peking. At the date 
of the court's returning, there were 
still eight armies of eight different 
nations stationed in and about 
China's capital. But peace and 
friendship had been declared be- 
tween the nations and China, and 
the court, in perfect safety, marched 
in its imperial array through the 
streets and on into the Forbidden 
City. Wonderful doings ! A wonder- 
ful age permitting them! 

China was in distress. Active 
and efficient workers must come 
to her rescue. Where were they? 
Among the foremost was Yuan-Shih- 
K'ai. On January 20, 1902, this 
official was placed in charge of the 
Northern Railway and during the 
same month was made a consulting 
member of the newly established 
commission of "Administrative Re- 
form." The following year he was 
appointed a member of the com- 
mission for the "Reorganization of 



yuan-shih-k'ai 83 

the Army." He took a most active 
part in preparing the new army 
regulations and was the first to 
organize an army on the new method. 
He has also been foremost in pro- 
moting the new educational system. 
As Viceroy of Chili he was the 
Superintendent of Trade for all 
northern China. 

Although this great practical man 
of affairs did not win his official rank 
through the halls of learning, he 
appears to great advantage when 
contrasted with scholarly officials 
who strive to rise on the frail honors 
of scholarship alone. True honors, 
with living strength, come from 
experience, polished bright and kept 
so through the constant, active power 
within a man. Scholarship should 
open the door wide for rich experi- 
ences to enter. Then together they 
should build a ladder, stanch and 
strong, round by round, for coming 
generations to safely climb. Socially, 
Yuan-Shih-K'ai is gentlemanly and 
entertaining with foreigners and por- 
trays that innate politeness common 
to the Chinese people. 



84 OLDCHINA 

In 191 2 China was proclaimed a 
republic. While the government was 
only provisional, one of China's 
strong men, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, acted 
as President. But Yuan-Shih-K'ai 
was made the country's first Presi- 
dent. With his able associates of 
strong, conscientious thinkers and 
doers President Yuan-Shih-K'ai will 
breast the storms of a new republic 
and show to the world the inner, 
better qualities of China and the 
Chinese character. 



PART II 
YOUNG AMERICA 



PART II 

It is Love that paints the life scenes 
in the colorings of a harmonious, 
living glow, — and it is the Christ- 
hand that reveals this glow. All na- 
tions, all creeds, all peoples, know the 
word "Love" and bow to it. Each 
individual in the fulness oj his own 
heart bows to it, — bows to Love. 



LOVE'S ALTAR 

1 WAS told of a little girl who was 
always quietly doing those things 
which made her lovable, hence she 
had many warm friends who loved 
her. She wore a bright face, was 
polite, kind, thoughtful, and patient. 
She kept tuning her young heart 
more and more to the key-note of 
love and good-will. As she grew 
older, kindnesses would suggest 
themselves, persuading her that such 
and such an act would lift some 
one's burden or brighten a darkened 
pathway. She never tried to do 
big things for people, as that might 
make the one whom she would favor 
feel under obligations, thus bury- 
ing the joy she would give in the 
humiliation of debt. It is not the 
intrinsic value of a gift or an act 
that blesses most; it is the quality 
of thought back of it. 

This girl lived in Vermont where 
flowers were rare in the winter. 



88 YOUNG AMERICA 

In early autumn she would buy 
many flower bulbs and many little 
flower pots. She carefully planted 
the bulbs, and after giving them a 
long rest in the dark, placed them 
in the sunshine. She cared for these 
little growing things, watering and 
turning them each day that they 
might grow and stand upright. A 
full stalk of beautiful blossoms 
proudly stood from among the long 
green leaves. She wrapped the pots 
with colored paper and tied them 
with ribbon. With happy thoughts 
she took these little treasures to the 
aged, sick, sorrowing, and unfor- 
tunate ones and also to those more 
favorably situated. Love was in 
her heart, from her first conception 
of this gift to its climax. 

This is only one of the many 
loving manifestations showing the 
quality of her heart. She grew into 
womanhood, and her whole life was 
filled with love and good-will, and 
through her they were reflected to 
other lives in choice blessings. 

I almost worshiped this charming, 
rich woman. She was my mother. 



love's altar 89 

She earnestly and prayerfully urged 
upon her children the great necessity 
for keeping the holy lamps of love, 
and gratitude for the good they could 
do, ever burning on the altar of 
their hearts, that each year they 
might increase in splendor. 

When my revered mother was a 
child in the twenties of eighteen 
hundred, the education for children, 
and especially for girls, was far from 
that of today. In connection with 
their book-learning, and above it, 
needlework held the highest place 
of honor. The younger girls, first 
upon linen cloth, learned to make 
"samplers'' of the alphabet and 
figures. My mother's sampler at 
fifty-three years was in good pres- 
ervation. As her four daughters 
could not each own this treasure, 
our mother worked upon cardboard 
a facsimile of the sampler with a 
little heart poem and other addi- 
tions. This treasured work and ex- 
pressed love of our dear mother 
hangs in my room, a constant re- 
minder of her tender words and 
untiring activities of love. Not only 



90 YOUNG AMERICA 

did she keep the lamp burning upon 
love's altar for her own children, 
but for others. The young people 
would gather joyfully in our home, 
and Mother was one with us always. 
The warmth flowing from her full 
heart never returned to her void, 
but with an overflowing response. 

// man had the microscopic eye of the 
bird and the acute ear oj the deer, he 
might be able to catch more oj the 
dainty colorings and the sweet- 
est melodies of Nature; but 
after all, the richest capac- 
ity to see and hear is in 
the heart and mind, 
and the capacity of 
perception covers 
it all 

There are those who live more through 
this perception than the micro- 
scopic eye or the acute ear 
could give. 



THE HOME 



Ei 



iNLIGHTENMENT of women 
lifts the standard of the home. 

Education for home making is 
being agitated in a tender, sober, 
logical enthusiasm. The vitality of 
the home originates in the heart's 
affections and its propulsion is aug- 
mented by the light-giving, warm 
flames burning upon the heart's 
altar. The home should be the 
center of the affections, but not the 
boundary. The purer and more 
unselfish the love is which blazes 
upon this home altar, the better is 
the glow reflected upon all within 
its radius, and this radius, great or 
small, has a lasting influence. It 
affects the atmosphere of the com- 
munity, and not only this, but its 
light is reflected beyond to the 
State, from the State to the na- 
tion, and from the nation to the 
whole world. Every home is a unit, 
and its influence, whether it stands 



92 YOUNG AMERICA 

for light or darkness, helps to modify 
the whole. 

Bow at the shrine of Love. It tills 

and nourishes the soil oj good-will 

toward our fellow-man. 



THE KINDERGARTEN 

j\S I entered the home of my 
niece I saw my little five-year-old 
grandniece sitting upon a stool 
with a little work basket by her side. 
She had a stocking in her hand, and 
I asked, "What is my Lillian doing?' ' 
She replied, " I am darning my stock- 
ings." "Darning your stockings! 
Who taught you?" She answered, 
"I learned at kindergarten." I took 
her work, and sure enough, she had 
woven a mat with darning cotton 
in the hole of her stocking. She 
was making practical use of her 
kindergarten mat weaving. 

Again, as I walked along the 
street I noticed in a vacant lot a 
little girl alone, diligently seeking 
something. I paused and asked, 
"Has my little one lost anything? 
Can I help you?" She happily 
replied, "Oh, no, thank you. I am 
looking for parallel vein leaves to 
take to kindergarten." In aston- 



94 YOUNG AMERICA 

ishment I asked to see her leaves. 
Sure enough, there they were. Then 
I said, "Why do you call them 
parallel veins?" She showed me 
how they ran side by side. I asked 
if there were any other kind of 
leaves. With an earnest "Oh, yes," 
away she went and brought me a 
leaf, saying, "This is a net vein leaf. 
Don't you see, these veins make a 
net?" That little child had no 
playmate with her, but there was 
a dignified joy in her heart and 
mind that she portrayed through her 
kindergarten studies. The young 
children are being guided more and 
more into the paths of knowledge 
and usefulness. Stern duty is turned 
into a joyous seeking for something 
better and greater. 



A TALK WITH FATHER 



W: 



E cannot afford to let unjust 
rebukes or criticism disturb us or 
rob us of that quality of thought 
that holds us at our best. All 
along the later years of my life 
my dear father's words of years 
ago have come to me with increased 
force. When a child, if I would 
come home with my troubles — oh, 
so big then — my father would call 
me to him, take me on his knee, 
wipe away the tears, and quietly 
say: "Let us talk it all over. Re- 
member, my dear child, if you are 
in the wrong, you will have to suffer 
for it, and you should. If in the 
right, you should not suffer." He 
would listen to my song of wo; 
then followed the finding out whether 
I was in the right or wrong. If I 
was wrong, in his persuasive way 
he would make me see it and cause 
me to feel not only willing but 
desirous to acknowledge that I was 



g6 YOUNG AMERICA 

in the wrong. If he thought me to 
be in the right, he would say: "Do 
you think that your playmate wished 
to hurt your feelings?" If I would 
say, "Yes, I do," then his quiet 
question would come back to me, 
"Are you going to let him accom- 
plish his designs?" A positive "No" 
would invariably be the answer to 
that question. But if, when he would 
ask, "Did your playmate intend to 
hurt your feelings?" I would reply, 
"No, I do not think he did intend 
to, but he did anyway," in the same 
forceful manner my father would 
say: "Is my little daughter going 
to be so unjust as to be hurt when 
it was not intended?" 

Do you see the lesson? Under 
no circumstances are we to be hurt 
except when in the wrong and then 
only long enough to repent and repair 
the wrong. 



OUR SCHOOL-TEACHERS 



M 



Y little daughter said: "Mother, 
may I take some of these beautiful 
roses to my teacher, Miss Happy- 
line?" We picked some of the 
choice ones, the child making the 
selection. Then she said: "I must 
find a bright, pretty bud, not in 
full blossom, with stem and green 
leaves, for that is the kind she pins 
on her waist and wears. I love 
to look at her sweet smile and her 
pretty dress, and the rose bud makes 
me so happy that I can study 
better." 

Bless the dear instructor who 
inspired my little daughter with such 
beautiful, unselfish thoughts and 
love for her teacher! If the teach- 
ers only knew what an impression 
they make upon the young heart 
— a lasting influence through their 
personal appearance — they would 
always wear smiles, give gentle tones 
to their language, arrange their hair 



98 YOUNG AMERICA 

becomingly, and wear neat and at- 
tractive clothing. Children love to 
be proud of their instructors and 
carry in their hearts a love picture. 
I heard a little boy say: "My 
teacher hasn't as pretty a face as 
yours, but she looks all right, and 
she is always kind to us boys and 
says in a happy way, 'How do you 
do, Jack?' 'Good morning, Tom.' 
We just like to do to please her." 
Another said: "You know Miss 
Jones, — she has eyes in the back 
of her head, — she says she has. 
We often try to test those eyes in 
the back of her head. They don't 
see everything, and when her real 
eyes catch us in our testing they 
flash at us and we are afraid of their 
lightning." Fear's power never finds 
willing obedience. Love's power 
finds loving, cheerful obedience with- 
out one struggle. 



BEAUTY AND CULTURE 



A 



GENTLEMAN once said to me, 
in sad earnestness, "I have made a 
great mistake in my life and re- 
flected its influence upon other 
lives. There were two sisters. One 
was plain but had a brilliant mind, 
with culture, and heart full of ten- 
derness and unselfishness. I loved 
her. Her sister was sparkling with 
beauty of form and feature, and 
I lovingly watched the dear little 
humming-bird as she happily sipped 
honey from the flowers placed 
about her. I spent much time 
with these sisters. One had beauty 
for the heart and mind to feast 
upon, the other beauty for the 
heart and eye. I talked the situa- 
tion over with the elder sister, and 
she said: 'There is no question in 
my mind which your heart chooses. 
My sister is your choice. Take her 
and continue her life in happiness. 
I could under no circumstances 



100 YOUNG AMERICA 

accept you. I shall choose a life- 
work, and wedded to it, I shall be 
loyal to my sacred vow.' She was 
always a devoted sister through our 
lives. But in loyalty to her vows 
she rose higher and still higher on 
the roll of honor and went deeper 
and still deeper into the heart of 
humanity. 

"While I strove to be loyal to my 
vow taken at the altar, I tired of 
that beauty which my heart and 
eyes feasted upon, and I longed for 
more in my dear wife. She detected 
my disappointment and her beauty 
began to fade. One day she threw 
her arms about my neck and said: 
'Why did you flatter my beauty 
and encourage my self-pride? If 
you will help me I will be a better 
woman, a better companion.' The 
struggle was a long and hard one, 
but sincere and earnest. The vic- 
tory was partially won. Her per- 
sonal beauty came back and through 
it shone beauty of heart and mind, 
blessing herself, her children, hus- 
band, friends, and all who came 
under her influence." 



BEAUTY — CULTURE 101 

Cultured people, even though plain, 
are often like a rich garment without 
trimming or ornaments. There is 
a quality in them that is self-sustain- 
ing, and their stability is a helpful 
joy. Beauty as trimming added to 
this quality makes them a greater 
joy. 

Again: I once knew two sisters 
who were very unlike. One day 
I said to the plain sister: "I notice 
that you are exceedingly studious. 
You study deeply into whatever 
duty or task is yours. You enter 
sparingly into the joyous pleasures 
of the day. Your older sister is a 
leader of the social world about her. 
Why do you not join her?" 

Her reply was earnest and thought- 
ful. "My sister is beautiful in fea- 
ture. She sparkles with humor. I 
am even ugly in my plain looks and 
appearance. If I am to win friends 
and hold a place in the social world 
or a commendable place anywhere, 
it must come from my storehouse of 
usefulness and congenial acquaint- 
ance. It takes steadfast, earnest 
application to gain these." 



102 YOUNG AMERICA 

She did gain them. The jewels 
in the storehouse of her heart and 
mind sparkled through the windows 
of expression in eyes, features, and 
manners. She was not only a joy, 
but a living example of worth and 
culture, imparting an influence that 
encouraged and helped others to 
better desires and better deeds. Her 
greatest pleasure was the good that 
she could do. She smoothed path- 
ways in the journey of life, helped 
to carry heavy burdens, and in the 
sunshine of a loving heart cheered 
the weary toilers. 

All that is enduring, all that we 
can leave behind us that has life 
in it, is the good that we do. This 
good is of God, and through the 
Christ-spirit we manifest it. Beauty 
in feature and sparkling humor 
should be the trimming and not the 
garment of character. 

Life's activity, Truth's stability, and 
Love's protection are the vitality, 
the freedom, and the safe- 
guard of existence. 



THE SACRIFICE 

A GENTLEMAN who had gained 
many of this world's honors, but 
with a big heart full of kindness, 
ever ready to lend a helping hand, 
served, without pay, a poor woman 
in trouble. Two years later this 
woman appeared at the door of the 
gentleman's home and asked to see 
him. He stepped to the door and 
invited her to enter. She refused, 
but said, with a happy countenance: 
"You did me a great favor some 
time ago and I am very grateful 
for it. I have no money, but I 
have a few chickens. One was my 
pet, and I have brought it to you," 
and taking it from under her shawl 
she stroked it tenderly and said, 
"It is a beauty and my best, and I 
want you to have it." 

The gentleman looked at her, then 
looked at the chicken, and kindly 
said, "I cannot take your pet 
chicken; you have paid the debt, if 



104 YOUNG AMERICA 

debt you call it, by bringing that 
gift to me. Your chicken is a 
beauty; see how it looks to you for 
protection when I touch it. Take 
your dear pet home with you, I 
cannot accept it. You have brought 
your treasure to the sacrificial altar 
and you do not have to sacrifice it." 

With tears in her eyes she turned 
away, tenderly embracing her pet. 

This man unselfishly helped the 
needy without one thought of re- 
ward; but an enduring phase of 
good must have vitalized this act. 
The quality of mind and heart is 
portrayed in expressed ideas and 
affections. A response to this ex- 
pression may not be seen today nor 
tomorrow, and perhaps never, but 
it is faithfully continuing on its 
good mission. 

The appearing of Good-will in our 
hearts is the appearing of our 
Saviour — the Christ — it 
is the activity oj Love. 



THE LESSON 







NE day, long ago, when the 
country was full of tramps (people 
going from door to door and street 
to street begging), an able-bodied 
man came to my home and asked 
for food. 

I promptly prepared him a good 
lunch and gave it to him. He gave 
nothing in return. 

Later in the day a woman with 
needles, pins, thread, etc., to sell 
came to the side door. I refused 
to even look at her goods and 
bought none. As she walked away 
with her little bundle, I looked 
after her and then sat down and 
meditated: An able-bodied man 
came and asked for food. I gave 
it to him. A middle-aged, slen- 
der woman came to my door with 
something to give me in return 
for money or help, and I turned 
her away. My heart, ashamed of 



106 YOUNG AMERICA 

itself, sank within me, and I would 
have called the woman back, but 
she was gone. A lesson for years 
to come: Help those who would 
help themselves. 



EVERY GOOD DEED IS 
REFLECTED IN GOOD 



M 



R. A., a man of position and 
influence, was always helping to lift 
burdens; to encourage the heart- 
sick and weary; to help them stand 
and to start them refreshed on their 
journey. 

Years after a certain favor given, 
the gentleman's wife was exceedingly 
anxious to have a house gown made 
to send to her mother. It was just 
before Christmas and every seam- 
stress was busy and every shop full 
of work. The wife went in vain 
from place to place, and at last, 
almost in despair, went to a distant 
dressmaker. After urgently stating 
her business, the dressmaker replied 
in just as earnest a manner that it 
was impossible to do anything for 
her. The lady urged if she would 
only cut the garment she would 
not ask more. "Impossible," was the 
reply. 



108 YOUNG AMERICA 

As the lady took her departure, 
the dressmaker said, "Come back, 
I cannot let you go, come back." 
She cut the gown and took great 
pains in basting and explaining all 
about it. In joyous delight the 
lady asked her charge. The dress- 
maker said: "Not one cent. Your 
husband, without pay, helped my 
husband to many dollars. This is 
just a little 'thank you' for the 
kindness of years ago. I could not 
take your money. Gratitude found 
the way for me to do a little favor 
for you, and I will not disappoint 
any one else by doing it. I will 
work a little later tonight." 

This same gentleman years ago 
closed up a business transaction, 
but with some petty annoyances. 
There were many changes of cir- 
cumstances during the following 
years. As thousands of miles sepa- 
rated the persons, they never met 
after their business relations closed. 
In 1912, a letter with a draft en- 
closed was received by this gentle- 
man's wife, with these words : "Some 
years ago, in settlement with your 



EVERY GOOD DEED 109 

husband, a mistake was made in 
my favor. At this late hour I 
wish to correct it. I sought to find 
him, then his family. Please accept 
this draft; it is yours." 

Justice manacles injustice sooner or 
later. Justice is the positive and 
cancels injustice, which is nega- 
tive. Injustice represents no 
real thing, hence has no place 
and must go out from 
consciousness, generally- 
through suffering. It 
finally leads to its 
own destruction. 



OVERCOMING DIFFICULTIES 

i\ DEAR baby boy came to a 
fond father and mother, and this 
little fellow was given everything to 
make him happy that parents, rel- 
atives, and friends could give. The 
devoted mother laid down this life's 
labors and left her little three-year- 
old boy and her happy home to the 
care of others. When this little 
son was five years old, the father 
brought him another loving mother. 

Years passed on and three sisters 
and a brother came into the home. 
The father's health failed, business 
had to be given up, fortunes were 
spent, and another mound rose by 
the side of the mother's. 

The question of support faced 
this family, and this young lad was 
the breadwinner. He was a bright, 
capable, trustworthy boy of fourteen 
years. His uncle procured for him 
a Government Appointment with a 
surveying party, and he filled it so 



OVERCOMING DIFFICULTIES III 

ably that a position in Washington, 
D.C., was given him. Only neces- 
sities for himself claimed part of 
his wages. The greater part was 
lovingly and gratefully sent to his 
mother for the support of the family. 

This boy was ambitious for an 
education. He was naturally a 
mathematician and he became an 
expert in this capacity. He filled 
every position that came to him so 
manfully that his work was his 
strongest recommendation. 

His mother became a helpless 
invalid. Kind relatives and friends 
lent a helping hand, but the mother 
looked to this son for her greatest 
support and strength. Though a 
mere child in years, he was a man 
in experience. A third mound rose 
in the cemetery lot and this boy was 
left with four children; his father 
and mother gone; his father's for- 
tune gone; the estate left him by his 
own mother gone. What could he 
do? Relatives and friends cared for 
the three sisters, and this boy kept 
the brother; and with tenderness, 
watchfulness, and forbearance he 



112 YOUNG AMERICA 

cared for this brother until, at 
twenty-four, he too rested from 
earth's trials and sorrows. 

It was not hard for this boy, now 
grown into manhood, to find posi- 
tions of good recompense for labor 
well done. He had developed into 
a good business man and his accu- 
racy, his honest uprightness, his affa- 
bility, and good judgment caused 
the bankers' world to call him. This 
man, with a wife, a home of their 
own, many friends and proud rela- 
tives, is at the head of a large, 
thrifty bank. Stability, activity, 
uprightness, love to God and man, 
build a character stanch and strong 
that blesses humanity. 

" There is power in patience. It saves 
us from despair. When victory is 
postponed, it makes it impossible 
jor disappointment to crush us. 
It makes us endure and per- 
severe, and endurance and 
perseverance lead to 
triumph." 



POLISH YOUR SHOES 



I 



T is necessary to be polite, genteel, 
gracious, and attractive in general 
manners and dealings with men. 
To delve into the science world and 
learn the intricacies of its teachings 
is imperative; but the beauty and 
harmony there discovered should 
polish and beautify the one who 
discovers and learns them. The 
business man, the man of letters 
and culture, as well as the man 
of the social world, require it. A 
rounded character is in demand, a 
character with every part at its 
active best. To illustrate: 

A professor in a college took great 
pride and deep interest in his 
students during their college days, 
and afterwards a friend of this 
professor, a man of wealth and far- 
reaching enterprises, wished a scien- 
tific, practical, judicious, energetic 
man for a foreign mission and asked 
Professor if he knew of such 



114 YOUNG AMERICA 

an one. Without hesitation, in high- 
est terms, he recommended one of 
his former students who had proved 
himself to be most able in this very 
work. The young man was sent 
to the friend. Months passed and 
he heard nothing of the result of 
the visit. On inquiry the friend 
said: "I interviewed the man you 
sent me and was greatly pleased. 
I invited him to dine with me. His 
table manners were crude. I could 
not send him on the mission, for 
the grace of his character had been 
forgotten in his education." 

The day is fast passing away in 
which uncouthness of manners is 
sanctioned or forgiven in the busi- 
ness world, the scientific, political, 
or professional. Each man must be 
a gentleman in every act. This 
day is dawning, and ere it sheds 
its midday splendor, it will reflect 
its light upon the nations, upon a 
world of harmony in thought and 
action! 



THE LESSON OF THE 
CHURCH ORGAN 



I 



WAS invited with others to visit 
a new church and hear and see the 
large organ. The builder of this 
fine instrument was to explain its 
intricate mechanism. The visiting 
party was small in number and 
gathered about the console. 

There were keyboards above key- 
boards; there were multiplied num- 
bers of stops on either side. They 
could be used individually or col- 
lectively or in sections. Then there 
was a mechanism below for the feet 
to play upon. While the organ was 
there, ready to do its part, it seemed 
to take the whole of man to per- 
form his part. Even electricity was 
brought in to help man in making 
this instrument do its best. 

We listened to the music in its 
modulated tones, from the softest 
notes to the loud thunderings, then 
its master said, "Now we will hear 



Il6 YOUNG AMERICA 

the echo," and on these same keys 
this master played an organ in 
the farthermost part of that large 
church. It was another organ, and 
little electric wires told it what 
to do, and it sweetly and clearly 
responded to their bidding. It was 
wonderful and my thought was 
awakened. I could see much, but 
I could hear more than I could see. 
Oh, that music! 

We were asked if we would like 
to see the organ and its pipes. Of 
course we would. We first came to 
the immense foundation, with its 
heavy construction, then we com- 
menced to climb. We stopped at 
each landing to hear more of this 
wonderful instrument, then on we 
went up narrower and steeper stairs 
until we were among the living, 
speaking pipes themselves. Wonder- 
ful! Wonderful! How could man 
conceive and execute such a thing! 
The master at the keys below made 
those little pipes sound their sweet- 
est and the larger ones sound in 
heavier tones; then again all would 
play together, increasing in volume 



THE CHURCH ORGAN 117 

until the whole structure seemed 
to reel under its mighty sound. - 

The builder would take up this 
pipe and that pipe and explain what 
relation it held to the whole and how 
necessary it was. There were hun- 
dreds and thousands of these pipes, 
each holding its proper place and 
in its true tone acting its necessary 
part in making up the whole. 

We descended and occupied seats 
in the body of the church and from 
there listened to the wonderful music 
played upon that gigantic instru- 
ment by its master. The words 
master, music, and organ had a 
keener meaning to me than ever 
before. 

Silence was with the guests and 
they listened to catch the voices of 
those wee little pipes as they sounded 
with the larger and greater ones. 
It was touchingly pathetic to hear 
them all working together, doing 
their best. 

I did not tarry but came right 
home and up to my room to ponder 
the lessons of the organ. If man 
can conceive and work out such 



Il8 YOUNG AMERICA 

harmony in the many tones of music, 
he can conceive and work out har- 
mony in the many tones of living. 
If each of us would be sure of our 
own note and sound it and not 
trespass on one another's notes, the 
multitude would sing together, work 
together in harmony and rejoicing. 



OUR POINT OF VIEW 



A: 



.STRONOMY was a joy to me in 
my school days, and in later years 
I took up this delightful study anew. 
I became familiar with the northern 
and mid-heaven constellations and 
learned in theory of the southern 
constellations. In 1890 I traveled 
south of the equator, and my book 
knowledge was put to a test. What 
I had learned in theory was now 
brought into practise. Everything 
was new to me, people, climate, 
vegetation; and not only these, but 
above me were new heavens. The 
mid-heaven constellations were all 
there, but upside down. They were 
all standing on their heads. The 
great and little Dippers and their 
associates were gone, and the South- 
ern Cross and its associates appeared. 
The sun rose in the east and circled 
to the north, shining in our north 
windows on its way westward. The 
seasons were also changed about. 



120 YOUNG AMERICA 

December, January, and February- 
were the summer months, March, 
April, and May the autumn, June, 
July, and August the winter, Sep- 
tember, October, and November the 
spring. 

While at night the heavens were 
brilliant, they were devoid of the 
northern glow. There were fewer 
stars of the first and second magni- 
tude. I realized more fully than 
ever before how much depends upon 
our outlook. The heavens had not 
changed, but my position with regard 
to them had changed, and I had 
much more to learn about them. 

Those who steadfastly stand in 
one place and become familiar with 
that view often think they see all 
there is to see. Such an one is 
hedged about by opaque ignorance 
or is in a chrysalis state. It is 
wiser to view from all sides; then 
this chrysalis state of thought will 
vitalize into a broadness not known 
before. 



A 



LOVING WORDS 



LITTLE five-year-old girl was 
permitted for the first time to dine 
with company. When the mother 
put the little one to bed, the darling 
said, "Mother, Father made me very 
happy when he bid me good night. 
He kissed me and said, 'Bill, I was 
proud of you tonight, you were a 
good girl.' ' The father was a man 
of few words, but these few were 
enough to make the child happy. 
The joys we put into a child's life 
are bright stars in the heavens above 
them, broadening the radius of their 
vision, and in this vision they see 
how to reflect joys. 



THE WEDDING 



A 



GENTLEMAN, a lady, and 

young lady daughter have been 
visiting us. The young lady is a 
step-daughter to the gentleman. 
When she was six years of age her 
mother brought to her a new father. 
I remarked to the mother that I 
never saw greater devotion between 
father and daughter than between 
these two. Then she related the 
wedding ceremony that united the 
lives of this man and the little one. 

When the wedding preparations 
were being made, the little girl par- 
took of the spirit of the occasion. 
As the event drew near, the darling 
said to her mother: "Where am / 
to be? What am / going to do?" 
The mother replied, "We will see, 
my daughter." 

The little one's clothes were pre- 
pared and were of the daintiest of 
white fabrics. As the day ap- 
proached, the child asked again: 



THE WEDDING 123 

"What am / to do? What part 
am / going to take?" 

The mother explained the situa- 
tion to the minister. The good man 
understood and said, "She shall have 
a part." When the mother walked 
to the altar upon the groom's arm, 
the little daughter went hand in 
hand with him upon the other side. 
After the vows of husband and wife 
were solemnized, the minister turned 
to the child and said: "Grace, do 
you take this man as your lawful 
father? Will you love him and be 
dutiful to him so long as you both 
live?" The sweet voice in childish 
trust said, "I do." Then he turned 
to the groom: "Will you take this 
child as your lawful daughter, love 
and care for her so long as you both 
live?" The vows were taken, the 
three were wedded, and from that 
day they have been devoted to one 
another. 



SHADOW AND REFLECTION 

1VJ-Y five-year-old granddaughter 
had heard much about shadow and 
reflection in her Sunday-school. One 
day, after returning from Sunday- 
school, she came to me and said, 
"Shadow isn't anything, is it? It 
can't hurt us." Then she ran away 
and brought me a picture and her 
little voice rang with laughter. It 
represented a man fleeing from his 
shadow in terror. His arms, in 
the shadow, were outstretched, his 
legs flying almost in air, and the 
whole picture was one of horror 
personified. 

Then her inquiring face looked up 
to me, and she asked, "What makes 
him afraid?" We talked it all over 
and learned that shadow was a 
manifestation of things in blackness 
without the glow of life, and we 
called it a specter, an imaginary 
evil. We always named everything 
and called it by that name, so that 




Reflection 



SHADOW AND REFLECTION 125 

we could place things where they 
belonged, — the good in God's King- 
dom and the bad in no kingdom, 
because God's Kingdom is all the 
kingdom there is. Everything else 
claiming a kingdom goes to nothing 
because it comes from no power, 
for Good is all Power, — is God. It 
is a joy to see how the child mind 
will thrive and grow strong with 
such refreshing food. 

One evening traveling in a street 
car, sitting in my lap, she asked, 
"What is reflection, Grandmother?' ' 
I looked at the window, and there 
I saw reflected in all the glow of life 
and freshness that lovely, beautiful 
child sitting with me. No time 
was lost. I said: "Sarah, dear, 
what do you see in that window?" 
"I see Grandmother, I see Sarah, 
I see lots of people." "Do you see 
what they are doing and what they 
are wearing and the colors of those 
things, so that you know what they 
are individually?" I asked. "You 
can there see your image and like- 
ness. It does what you do — re- 
flects your action. It is in no way 



126 YOUNG AMERICA 

independent of you." We talked 
with much interest about these peo- 
ple and things that we saw, then 
I said to her, "That is reflection, 
the image and likeness of what is 
here in the car." Later, after we 
had gotten a positive idea of reflec- 
tion, I told her of God's reflection — 
image and likeness — which is Good, 
Life, Truth, Love. It was a happy 
time for us both. She often asked 
questions about reflection, image, 
and likeness. She fast learned how 
to reflect Love, Truth, Life, Good, and 
with a little reminder, "Ask Good 
to help you to be good," many clouds 
were scattered with the sunshine of 
smiles. 

Henry Ward Beecher said: "The 

first hour oj the morning is the 

rudder oj the day," Thus it is 

with people, the first years oj 

their lives generally steer 

them through later years. 



THE HOLY BIBLE 

1 HE Bible is read in four hundred 
and forty languages. In co-opera- 
tion different nations are making it 
possible for the Bible, in familiar 
language, to be introduced into coun- 
tries that have not heard of the 
Christ nor the sacred books that 
proclaim Him. 

The "American Bible Society" is 
now at work translating this book 
into the languages of different tribes 
of the Philippine Islands. The in- 
creased interest of Scripture reading 
in our own country is shown by the 
greatly multiplied sales of the Bible 
each year. Does not this reading 
of the living truth raise the standard 
of thought and affection? He who 
listens to hear, watches to see, and 
reads the trend of this restless age 
can detect the Bible banner waving 
above the din of discord, urging 
humanity to come up higher. This 
listening, this watching, this reading, 



128 YOUNG AMERICA 

is doing a mighty work, it is urging 
a recognition of our Redeemer. In 
this age more than in any record age 
there is organized, stirring activity 
manifested to help the children, the 
young and older people, and to 
bring out the best in them — a 
striving to make their burdens light 
with the joys of love which have 
heretofore slumbered in stern duty. 
The Bible lights the pathway, broad- 
ens the vision, and quickens activity 
in thought and affection. And this 
is for all alike. 



PATRIOTISM 

JlWERY child of every land should 
be taught the meaning of loyalty 
to his country. In no land is the 
national flag so universally used, 
in the home, for decoration, and 
placed in the hands of children, or 
worn upon the person, as in the 
United States of America. Each 
nation's flag plays its part in its 
nation's individual way. 

It is the almost universal custom 
of every nation, through devotion 
and loyalty, for its subjects to rise 
to their feet at the first sounded note 
of their national air and to salute 
their flag. There are no people who 
should pay their nation's air and 
flag greater respect than the Ameri- 
can people. Would it not be well to 
teach every boy and girl throughout 
our domain to give outward expres- 
sion to the loyalty they bear their 
nation's emblem and song? Would 
it not bring to their minds and hearts 



130 YOUNG AMERICA 

more keenly the great principles for 
which our country so steadfastly 
stands, and thus build for her a 
bulwark of defense? 

One of the most beautiful and 
impressive scenes that ever crossed 
my pathway was a State Sunday- 
school convention of many different 
religious denominations. 

Trains arrived early from different 
parts of the State and continued to 
arrive. At ten o'clock the street 
thronged with animated people to 
greet the dear children from far 
and near. The streets were deco- 
rated with our country's flag and 
her colors in different designs. Mot- 
toes telling of love to God and man, 
good-will, good cheer, and patriotism 
arched the streets; and the stores 
and public buildings proclaimed their 
love welcome to the children visitors 
in wonderful beauty. 

The bands began to play their 
spirited yet sweet music; the mar- 
shals cleared the way and in the 
distance we saw winged fairies com- 
ing, coming, coming, waving their 
wings and keeping time with the 



PATRIOTISM 131 

music. Above, and leading them, 
seemed to be a large eagle. As 
they drew nearer we saw that this 
procession of winged fairies was 
composed of hundreds and thousands 
of Sunday-school children dressed 
in white, wearing upon their heads 
and around their necks, or carrying 
in their hands, wreaths of beautiful 
flowers. Each child was waving 
above his or her head the nation's 
flag, which in the distance seemed 
to be the wings of fairies. The 
large eagle leading them was a large 
flag upon a high standard. They 
kept coming and going. What a 
sight ! For over one hour we watched 
this moving panorama of superin- 
tendents, teachers, and pupils. It 
was a wonderful quaff of inspira- 
tion, quickening thought and feeling. 
Beauty in activity proclaimed love 
in every part of that wonderful 
procession. Our flag never waved 
more proudly nor in greater joy than 
in the hands of those dear children. 
It seemed to say: "They love me! 
God will protect and uphold me 
through this love!" They marched 



132 YOUNG AMERICA 

on amid the cheers and plaudits 
of the appreciative multitude and 
entered a beautiful park prepared 
to receive them. On a terraced 
hillside they were seated. Love to 
God and love for our country, join- 
ing hands, made our country's colors 
glow with great resplendency, quick- 
ening to a blaze love's unity on love's 
altar. Short speeches were given 
by noted men and women. Reli- 
gious hymns and patriotic songs 
familiar to all were sung and the 
exercises closed with 

"Onward, Christian Soldier, 
Marching as to war, 



We are not divided, 
All one body we, 
One in hope and doctrine, 
One in Charity. " 

And all standing, and amid the wav- 
ing of a sea of flags, the large choir of 
voices sounded and resounded: 

"Our Country, 't is of thee, 
Sweet land of Liberty, 
Of thee we sing." 

Thus ended the day's united 
action. The many bringing their 



PATRIOTISM 133 

mite and placing it upon the altar 
of love's sacrifice departed with 
love's cup full to overflowing. 

Another beautiful picture was a 
United States flag composed of school 
children at Iowa's State Fair. A 
very large flag was woven and un- 
furled, with its stripes and stars in 
the living glow of life. A chorus 
of strong voices sang "The Star- 
spangled Banner." With enthusi- 
asm the voices rose higher and still 
higher, as if to reach high heaven. 
These children seemed to realize 
that they were really a part of the 
country they were representing in 
this emblem. These little acts plant 
thought-seeds that grow and vitalize 
a nation. 

Every good thought expressed is echoing 
and re-echoing in the vast forever. 



NATIONS LOVE WEALTH 

OOME time ago in China, in talk- 
ing with an educated, far-thinking 
American upon different topics, he 
made this remark: "Situated as 
you are, you can see the attitude of 
many nations and their modes of 
working, and in my travels I have 
not been sleeping. I find as soon 
as a nation becomes wealthy, the 
other powers combine, not inten- 
tionally perhaps, but for selfish gain, 
to sap that nation, girdle it, kill it, 
and appropriate its wealth. Our 
country is increasing in wealth and 
strength, and jealousies are com- 
ing to the front. She must watch. 
She is now at peace with all the 
world, and if one, two, or three 
countries should combine against 
her, she could stand; but if all 
in their greed should turn upon 
her, her fate would be that of 
other nations.' ' 



NATIONS LOVE WEALTH 135 

Why must this be? Will not the 
same love for the Christ-spirit, for 
freedom, that guided the May- 
flower to its safe harbor still pro- 
tect her? Will not the same love 
that unlocked the nursery door and 
baffled the whip of the mother 
country; that held cemented the 
Union entire; that abolished slavery; 
that opened freely its heart and 
purse to suffering people at home 
and abroad; that rescued Cuba and 
gave her back to herself; that 
bought the Philippine Islands al- 
ready as good as conquered; that 
stood as one of the strongest pro- 
tectors of China in her direful need; 
— will not all this stand as a strong 
breastwork for her protection? In 
China our country would accept 
nothing as the spoils of war; gave 
back the silver captured at Tientsin ; 
and protected and turned back to 
China her millions of taels and 
valuable jewels which were con- 
cealed in the Forbidden City; and 
later canceled the indemnity fund. 
Yes, will not such a spirit, conceived 
and adhered to, allay temptation 



136 YOUNG AMERICA 

and greed and protect her from 
the invasions of other nations? 
Will not this spirit enable her to 
do still more magnanimous acts? 
We are a child nation and are 
thus called. 

Not until this war with Spain 
and our relief army went to China, 
did the nations know us, nor did 
we know ourselves. Respect or dis- 
grace comes with the knowing, and 
respect has been our country's por- 
tion. Mighty work was done at 
the helm and elsewhere. Our Presi- 
dents, McKinley and Roosevelt, our 
incomparable Secretary Hay, our 
stalwart army, with other efficient 
helpers, were strong to will and to 
do. May the United States con- 
tinue to be a child in the temple 
with the fathers! May she continue 
to nourish the principles of right 
and justice that she may be sus- 
tained and protected in the future. 
The intensity of youth is ours, 
and as long as our activity is for 
justice, success will crown our 
efforts. The Bible points out posi- 
tive right and negative wrong. 



NATIONS LOVE WEALTH 137 

May the right make us strong to 
fight mightily! 

The sharp consequences of evil think- 
ing and doing wound the life of 
the individual or the nation 
and make it inharmoni- 
ous and scar-worn. 



SALUTING THE FLAG 







UR country, like all countries, 
has her national holidays. Among 
them are two very prominent ones, 
Washington's birthday and Lincoln's 
birthday. These are patriotic days 
observed in memory of the "Father 
of our Country," George Washing- 
ton, and the "Savior of our Coun- 
try," Abraham Lincoln. Children 
are taught at school a growing 
meaning to these words. 

In the morning of one of these 
birthdays I heard a man whistling 
in clear tones "The Star-spangled 
Banner." I listened and as I stepped 
out upon my porch I observed in 
the yard of a cottage near by, father, 
mother, and two little daughters, 
Ruth and Thelma, standing before 
our nation's unfurled flag. With 
intense interest I continued to listen. 
When the whistling ceased, the lit- 
tle seven-year-old daughter, Ruth, 
stepped forward, saluted the flag, 



SALUTING THE FLAG 139 

and uttered words which I could 
not hear. I asked, "Will the little 
darlings come to me and salute my 
flag?" They came, hand in hand, 
and standing together upon the 
porch, Ruth saluted the flag and 
said: 

" I pledge allegiance to our flag and the 
Republic for which it stands, one Nation, 
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." 

Then, in childish but sweet tones, 
still looking at the flag, they sang 
"The Three Little Sisters": 

" I know three little sisters, 
I think you know them, too, 
For one is red and one is white, 
And the other one is blue. 

" Hurrah for the three little sisters, 
Hurrah for the red, white, and blue, 
Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah, hurrah, 
Hurrah for the red, white, and blue, 

" I know three little lessons, 
These little sisters tell, 
The first is love, then purity, 
Then truth we love so well. 

" Hurrah for the three little sisters, 
Hurrah for the red, white, and blue, 
Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah, hurrah, 
Hurrah for the red, white, and blue." 



140 YOUNG AMERICA 

This beautiful tribute to our flag 
is taught the little ones in our 
public schools. 

Words have not the power to 
emphasize enough the height, depth, 
and breadth of this lesson. But do 
we not perceive that now, in this 
age, the everlasting song of love 
sounds sweeter, clearer, and louder 
than ever before, through our flag 
and its children lovers? The multi- 
tudes catch the strains. This ever- 
sounding melody of love is taught 
•and heard more and more in the 
home, in the school, in college and 
university, in sermon and lecture, 
in the community, yes, over our 
whole country and other countries. 
It is the inspiring melody of the 
great Christ-heart, played by the 
positive hand of love. In the hearts 
of children, love's melodies sound 
with new, living vigor, strewing 
the flowers of joy along their path- 
way. 

Truth guards Love's gateway, passing 
in the proper guests. 



THE STAR EAGLE'S PROMISE 

1864 

DURING our Civil War in the 
sixties of eighteen hundred, there 
were awful battles of brother against 
brother, on the soil of their home 
country. Many sacrifices were made 
and much blood was shed. Heart 
sorrows entered every fireside. An 
universal prayer, earnest and devout, 
flowed from the heart's fountain for 
a settlement of differences, — for 
peace. A night dream brought to 
my girl-thought a promise of an 
answer to this prayer. Seemingly, 
I was standing in the blackness of a 
dark night, with eyes turned up- 
ward. Not a star was to be seen. 
I clasped my hands as in prayer, 
still looking upward. I saw rising 
from the south the head of an eagle 
with something in its beak that 
seemed like clusters of stars. This 
vision kept rising higher and higher, 
revealing more and more of an eagle, 



142 YOUNG AMERICA 

with wings extended, reaching the 
horizon at east and west. Its tail 
was spread and it kept rising until 
that beautiful, star-lit bird covered 
the whole heavens. A peace offer- 
ing was in its beak, and the whole 
bird sparkled with the twinkling 
diamonds in the heavens above us. 
In wild, silent joy I stood motion- 
less, with clasped hands, and gazed 
upon that wonderful, wonderful 
promise of peace in union, — the 
joining of hands in heart pledges 
under the outstretched wings of 
our American eagle. 



THE SALVATION ARMY 



E 



VERY person has a note in his 
or her nature which, if touched, helps 
to swell the great chorus of love's 
harmony. It does not matter who 
they are nor what circumstances 
seem to rule them. Love melts 
the stubborn iron, the almost irre- 
sistible steel, or the frozen iceberg 
that imprisons the human heart. 
This love manifested touches the 
note common to all, and the Christ- 
spirit catches the melody and carries 
it heavenward. The efforts to help 
others differ in quality. The freer 
these efforts are from selfish thoughts 
— thoughts that desire popularity 
or recompense — the more effectual 
the effort. 

Many years ago, through igno- 
rance of their efforts, I failed to 
recognize the good work done by 
the Salvation Army. The first sea- 
son that I spent in the beautiful 
capital of our nation I visited and 



144 YOUNG AMERICA 

revisited the different departments 
of government and really studied 
in them. It seemed that everything 
we met had in it a lesson for us to 
learn. The twenty-four hours were 
not hours enough. What a wonder- 
ful, beautiful city is Washington, 
with its higher grades of activity 
reaching a higher perfection! This 
activity awakens a desire to know 
something as a whole of this throng- 
ing humanity. It is not always the 
most attractive, promising, or grand 
presentation that has in it the largest 
value. To illustrate: One cloudless 
day we halted in the street for a 
passing procession. It was a pro- 
cession of Salvation Army soldiers. 
The fifes and drums were sounding 
and the soldiers were singing in 
chorus. I thoughtfully said to my 
coachman, "Follow this procession. " 
The soldiers entered a hall, and 
we entered it also. The people 
were orderly, — respectfully obedient. 
The course of exercises was their 
very own. I attentively listened and 
became more and more interested 
as I caught the spirit of the experi- 



SALVATION ARMY 14$ 

ences given by those soldiers. The 
testimony of one will illustrate the 
character of all. A man arose and 
in a clear voice said: "The Salva- 
tion Army is my home. It is the 
Good Samaritan. It found me for- 
saken; it washed my wounds; took 
me to its home and cared for me. 
I had been for many years in a 
penitentiary, — I was a convict. My 
years of isolation had come to an 
end and I went into the outer world, 
a stranger. When I applied for 
work, the invariable question was 
asked: 'Have you recommenda- 
tions?' What recommendation has 
a penitentiary convict? I was an 
outcast. No one wanted me. I 
could find no work. I sat down, 
weary, hungry, and in despair, upon 
the curbstone of the street. While 
I sat there in horror and desolation, 
pondering what there could be for 
me in this world of sorrow, I heard 
the fife and drum. I looked up 
and saw men and women following 
in procession and singing: 

"Rouse ye ! Rouse ye ! 
Come, ye disconsolate." 



146 YOUNG AMERICA 

I arose. They looked to be of my 
class and were calling to me. I 
followed them, the last one in their 
procession, to their home. They 
took me by the hand and raised me 
up, and I in turn help other sick 
and sorrowing ones by the wayside." 

Since that day I, too, in sympathy, 
call the Salvation Army a Good 
Samaritan. We each and all have 
a place for doing good work if we 
seek it unselfishly in the Great Good. 

Our beautiful, large churches have 
no place prepared for such as this 
released convict. If he had sought 
a place there, would he have found 
a welcome? The Salvation Army 
had a home prepared for him and 
he heard the united voices calling 
the brother to it. It does a work 
for humanity that the Church cannot 
do, and the Church a work that the 
Salvation Army cannot do. God 
bless them both! 

And now, in 19 12, the founder and 
leader of this vast army of Christ's 
soldiers lays aside the shackles of 
this mortal living to wear the mighty 
crown — "Well Done" — in love's 



SALVATION ARMY 147 

freedom. History records few men 
and women who have discovered, 
founded, and broadened a world- 
wide heart and mind enterprise with 
life and love in and through it for all 
time and eternity. Let us memorial- 
ize the great General William Booth 
by deeds of love, that the jeweled 
crown God has placed upon this 
Christ-follower may be seen more 
clearly by suffering and sorrowing 
humanity. 



OUR FLAG HONORED 



I 



N 1889 and 1890, there arose seri- 
ous controversies in Brazil, South 
America. Emperor Don Pedro and 
his family were captured at night 
and banished from their country. 
The empire fell and a republic was 
declared. This was done without 
bloodshed, but complications arose 
that brought the army and navy in 
bitter conflict over the question, 
which should rule the new Republic. 
The navy cleared the bay of all 
but its own forces and at times 
bombarded the Rio forts. Circum- 
stances arose making it important 
for the United States Minister to 
visit a ship, on its way to New York, 
which was lying far out in the bay. 
This United States Minister started 
out in his steam launch upon the 
broad waters amid those warships, 
with the United States flag his only 
mortal protection. It never waved 
more proudly. That flag proclaimed 



OUR FLAG HONORED 149 

to those powerful gunboat destroyers 
the trustworthiness of the nation 
for which it stood. As the Minister 
neared and passed by the Admiral's 
ship, flag etiquette expressed mutual 
good wishes of the two friendly 
nations. 

Our dear beautiful flag! May no 
act of our country stain your honor- 
able waving! 



OUR SCHOOL BANNER— 1858 

1 HIS is a true narrative of the 
year 1858. This was a year of great 
political rivalry. The Democrats 
and Republicans were so near abreast 
that men, women, and children were 
awake to the contest. 

Two strong men, Stephen A. Doug- 
las and Abraham Lincoln, were rival 
candidates in Illinois for the United 
States Senate. They in joint dis- 
cussion advocated their principles. 
Throngs of enthusiastic people 
gathered to see these distinguished 
men and listen to them. One of 
their appointments was at Gales- 
burg, Illinois, to speak upon the 
campus of Knox College. For weeks 
excitement ran high in anticipation 
of this day. There was another 
college in Galesburg embracing 
coeducation, — Lombard College. 
The Democrats of this institution 
conceived the idea of making a ban- 
ner for Douglas, and the Republi- 



OUR SCHOOL BANNER 151 

cans of making one for Lincoln. 
This banner making was a profound 
secret, but a little voice whispered, 
"Something is going on." Wonder- 
ful thought and wonderful work 
were put into those banners. The 
design and the working out of the 
design were almost inspiration. 

The great day arrived and each 
political party of college youth 
formed its procession of boys and 
girls and marched to the station with 
their beautiful satin, embroidered, 
gold-fringed banner, vying in style, 
richness, and beauty. Each squad 
of Lombard students joined its en- 
thusiastic party at the station and 
marched to Knox College campus. 
On the way Mr. Lincoln stopped at 
the home of a friend. Before enter- 
ing this home he turned and faced 
the throng of people and with words 
that only a great man could have 
uttered, he expressed his apprecia- 
tion of their presence, which he 
accepted as a compliment to the 
principles of the Republican party. 
When he had finished, two of the 
Lombard girls stepped forward with 



152 YOUNG AMERICA 

their beautiful banner and with a 
few words placed it in Mr. Lincoln's 
hands. Equal to the occasion, Mr. 
Lincoln planted living joys in the 
hearts of the many givers. Miss 
Lida Carr and Miss Mary Pike 
were the girls who presented this 
banner. Mary Pike had the great 
honor of speaking in behalf of the 
givers. 

The day was a glorious one. 
Both parties respected and admired 
each of the speakers. In those days 
the question of slavery and its 
increase of territory was spirited 
and became bitterly angry. Compro- 
mises were driving the country into 
a dark night. At this time there 
was a great fight over the admission 
of Kansas as a state. She was 
called "Bleeding Kansas." On the 
Lombard Republican banner, in the 
field of silver stars, was a gray star 
representing "Bleeding Kansas. " 

A few years later when Mr. Lin- 
coln was leaving Springfield to fill 
the presidential chair at Washing- 
ton, a friend from Kansas, who was 
visiting him at his home, saw that 



OUR SCHOOL BANNER 153 

banner and the lone gray star. Mr. 
Lincoln, in keen perception, recog- 
nized the situation and presented 
the banner to his friend. 

Many years later when these 
students were in homes of their own 
and their children were attending 
Lombard College, letters began to 
come into those homes asking for 
the history of a banner presented to 
Abraham Lincoln by Lombard stu- 
dents in 1858. These old students of 
years ago learned that their work — 
the design, the execution of that 
design, every stitch of the silver stars 
and the one gray star, the colorings 
of the flowers, the eagle, the motto, 
the gold fringe, the streamers, the 
standard, all complete — was hermeti- 
cally sealed and in the State His- 
torical Museum in Topeka, Kansas. 
This historical banner takes its little 
trips to hold a prominent place in 
the exhibits at world's fairs. We 
students little realized that we were 
making history that would outlive 
us. It is the rich quality of a thought 
put into our doings that makes these 
doings permanent. 



154 YOUNG AMERICA 

In years past and in the following 
tragical years of our Civil War, 
Abraham Lincoln uttered no uncer- 
tain sounds in voicing his princi- 
ples He was not fanatical in any 
of his opinions, but without one 
slight cloud of fear he bravely 
advocated what he thought to be 
right and just. No self-righteous- 
ness, no self- justification, tarnished 
the golden thread that he wove into 
all his sayings and doings. His ut- 
terances and acts were upon that 
broad scale which includes all 
humanity. Mr. Lincoln's love for 
God — reflected in love for human- 
ity — made him great Such poise 
— equilibrium of thought and pur- 
pose — as this great man possessed, 
written history almost fails to record 
an equal. Study this great character 
and partake of its spirit and strive 
to leave one page in enduring history 
like unto it. 

In 1908, Galesburg notably cele- 
brated, on the campus of Knox 
College, the fiftieth anniversary of 
the wonderful, historical debate of 
Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham 



OUR SCHOOL BANNER 155 

Lincoln. These two men, Lincoln 
and Douglas, live in the hearts of 
our nation. Although they held 
steadfastly to their own views and 
in the strength of honest conviction 
aggressively proclaimed those con- 
victions, they were stanch friends. 
After the inauguration which made 
Mr. Lincoln President of the United 
States, Mr. Douglas, the defeated 
candidate, was the first of all Mr. 
Lincoln's friends to step forward 
and clasp his hand in congratulation. 

Come what will, I will keep my jaitb 

with friend and joe. I shall do 

nothing in malice. What I 

deal with is too vast for 

malicious dealing. 

Abraham Lincoln. 



OUR NATIONAL CEMETERIES 



D 



URING the five years' Civil 
War in the sixties of 1800, many 
lives were sacrificed, many homes 
made desolate. The South was the 
battle-field, and the ravages of war 
fell most heavily upon the Southern 
States. 

Where some of the great battles 
were fought, and where many Union 
soldiers fell, our Government bought 
large tracts of ground and dedicated 
them as national cemeteries, and 
her sacrificed soldiers were buried 
there. These cemeteries are uni- 
formly beautiful. They were laid 
out as large parks, with semi-tropical 
ornamental trees, shrubs, and plants. 
There are lakes, running streams, 
attractive driveways, and beautiful 
green lawns in them. There are no 
mounds, but long lines of white 
marble markers bearing names or the 
word "Unknown." There are many 
large, fine monuments, pavilions, 



NATIONAL CEMETERIES 157 

pagodas, and other attractive build- 
ings in these cemeteries. Enclosing 
the grounds is a low granite wall 
covered with English ivy. 

The Southern States, in their 
straightened circumstances, could 
do little in memory of their fallen 
dear ones, but they did what they 
could. 

•Our Government appointed May 
30 as the annual Decoration Day 
in memory of the Union soldiers 
who fell in her defense. The South 
appointed May 31 as the annual 
Decoration Day for the Confederate 
soldiers. 

In 1880, May 30, I visited the 
beautiful National Cemetery at 
Nashville, Tennessee, and listened to 
thrilling, laudatory words of Schuyler 
Colfax, uttered in memory of the 
heroic deeds, battles, and blood shed 
upon these grounds. It was an 
occasion for deep thought and 
heart reflections. Events of twenty 
years ago came thick and fast in 
review. It was a solemn occasion. 
I walked over that once blood-stained 
field, now so wonderfully beautiful. 



158 YOUNG AMERICA 

Nothing, no, nothing bore the sign 
of death except the white markers 
and monuments. Life in its luxuri- 
ant activity was singing a song of 
joy and beauty. 

I visited Lookout Mountain, saw 
the running water at her feet, her 
formidable sides reaching far up, 
which the Union heroes scaled. In 
peace and quiet I thoughtfully 
wended my way up — up — where 
time had obliterated all marks of 
those horrible battle days. No, not 
all were gone, for here and there 
were barricades. Works of protec- 
tion were the last to go. 

The same year I visited Rich- 
mond, Virginia. My (Confederate) 
friends took me to see the beauti- 
ful National Cemetery — a real joy 
in its completeness. I asked these 
friends, as we drove away, if they 
would take me to the Confederate 
Cemetery. They said, "Yes, we 
will take you to the resting fields 
of our dear ones, who bravely fought 
and died for a lost cause." We 
drove to another part of the city 
and out into the country and entered 



NATIONAL CEMETERIES 1 59 

an unkept, unworked field. In 
the distance we saw a very large 
monument of irregular, piled gran- 
ite blocks in the shape of a cone. 
Creeping ivy was concealing the 
crevices. There was one large, pol- 
ished stone bearing its love story. 
We walked around this large monu- 
ment, admiring it and talking of 
the love and sacrifice for which 
it stood. We looked through the 
grounds; the wooden markers were 
falling; there were no individual 
monuments. Nature-planted trees 
and flowers were seen here and 
there, — no lawns and no Iaid-out 
driveways. My friend in tears said : 
"We did all we could for our dead 
brothers; we had to care for the 
living.' ' As we walked slowly away, 
my friend's hand in mine, the sacri- 
fices of the Civil War days flooded 
me and my heart sank within me. 
Human sympathy gave its best to 
soothe and to allay the anguish 
in my dear friend's heart, for I 
loved her. 

More than twenty years have 
passed since that day. Common 



160 YOUNG AMERICA 

interests, common loves for a com- 
mon country, have joined the North 
and the South in one strong bond of 
union, and the National Decora- 
tion Day is for all her children. 

Under the protection of one and 
the same flag our country's sons 
are brothers. 



MAR 31 1913 



